The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board in the United States has approved the renaming of Nashville International Airport in honour of late country music icon Dolly Parton.
The Nashville-based television station, WZTV, reported on Friday that the board unanimously approved the proposal to honour Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
The decision came after the authority considered the potential impact of the proposed name change on the airport’s branding and marketing materials, as well as concerns about the cost of implementing it and who would bear the expense.
Airport officials have not revealed how much the renaming exercise will cost.
However, a 2025 assessment of an unsuccessful proposal to rename the facility Trump International Airport estimated that changing the airport’s name could cost approximately $10.3m.
Following the approval, the airport authority is expected to work with the Dollywood Foundation to develop the new name and establish how the airport and the foundation will be integrated under the arrangement.
The move came after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee had earlier proposed renaming the airport after Parton following her death.
The Hill quoted the governor as saying, “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state.
“From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her.
“At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Parton was born in Sevier County, Tennessee, and became one of the most recognisable figures in country music through songs including “Jolene” and “9 to 5”. She also founded the Dollywood theme park in her home state.
