Dolly Parton passed away just two days ago. Nevertheless, devoted fans are already seeking ways to permanently memorialize the beloved "Jolene" singer. Certainly, her vast body of work including songs, recordings, films, and TV appearances will always be a method to recall Parton's shining talent and vivacious presence. However, some would like to take things a step further. In fact, one idea that is evidently gaining public traction is renaming Nashville Airport for the Tennessee-born star, per People.
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A petition to do so is being circulated via Change.org. It has gathered more than 100,000 names within a day since Parton died on Tuesday, August 25. The proposed name would be Dolly Parton International Airport. As of Thursday morning, the petition has almost 131,000 names.
The airport currently bears the name of Col. Harry Smith Berry. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War I and II and a Tennessee native. Berry, according to People, "helped establish the airfield."
The Initiative To Change the Airport's Name Actually Began Last Year
On January 21, 2025, Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion launched a campaign to change the airport's name to Parton's. The Change.org page states as of that earlier date, "It is only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman...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. Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin' from Parton!!"
Reasons for bringing about the name change are mentioned on Change.org. As described in an essay there, they include Parton's impactful work with the Imagination Library for children, her amazing musical career, and her warm-hearted approach to all.
Parton's Death Has Galvanized This Grassroots Effort Even More
After Dolly Parton's death, Dion and Popovich added a new message to the page. It states in part, "Since her passing, tens of thousands of additional supporters have visited and signed this petition. The outpouring of support has reinvigorated our mission — to rename the Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport."
It also noted that Tennessee State Senator Todd Warner reportedly intends to facilitate this effort by introducing legislation to make it a reality. He shared with People, "Dolly was so good to this state. She cared about people. What she has done for this state economically, what she's done for country music— and she cared about children ... Just a great person. We need more Dollys in the world." Warner also mentioned, "I think it would pay a great tribute to Dolly and what she's done for the state and the country itself."
The Airport Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would have to sign off on the name change.
