Country music icon Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday (August 25) at 80 years old.
In the wake of the Jolene creator's sudden passing, dozens of tributes from the top tastemakers in the music industry poured out in her honor. But perhaps the biggest honor, is coming from her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.
"Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Governor Lee said in a release on Friday. "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 favorite daughter. And greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness."
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, echoed a similar sentiment in the release.
"BNA® is the front door to Music City. And with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community," Kreulen said. "Dolly's remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people."
He also noted the welcoming presence that the late star had. Kreulen said it is the exact spirit commuters should be presented with when traveling through Nash.
"She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from. Or your socioeconomic status," the CEO added. "At BNA, we share that commitment. "Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA. And it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world."
