Dolly Parton could soon be recognized in a very unique way in Music City. A petition is circulating to rename the Nashville International Airport to the Dolly Parton International Airport, honoring the country music icon.
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On Change.org, comedian Lydia Popovich started a petition last week to get the name changed. The petition currently has over 1,800 signatures.
"As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton," Popovich says. "She is not only a celebrated artist who encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but also a philanthropist, known for her countless contributions to society. It is only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman."
Popovich goes on to list the "substantial impacts" Parton has had on "thousands of lives," especially through her Imagination Library.
"Dolly's philanthropic efforts, her outstanding influence in the music industry, and the love she has instilled in our hearts through her actions and songs, truly make her a deserving candidate to have the Nashville International Airport named after her," she continues. "We request that the airport's name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world. "
Parton isn't the only person who is in the running to have an airport named after them. Republican state representative Todd Warner also introduced a bill to rename Nashville International Airport. He proposes the Trump International Airport instead, in honor of President Donald Trump.
Imagination Library
Parton started her Imagination Library in 1995, in honor of her father, Robert.
"My dad didn't get the chance to go to school. And Daddy couldn't read and write, and that was kind of crippling to him," Parton previously told NPR. "He was such a smart man, though. He just had such good common sense. They call it horse sense in the country."
In 2018, Parton celebrated the Imagination Library giving away its 100 millionth book. Of all of her accomplishments and achievements, Parton says the Imagination Library is her proudest success story.
"It's kind of personal to me. And, I think when you take on a charity to support, it really needs to be something that's personal to you and that you're passionate about," Parton tells The Chronicle. "And, of course, I do other things. But I don't think I'll ever do anything more important and more personal to me than this. Because the kids are our future, as they say."
