When iconic singer-songwriter-actress-businesswoman-philanthropist Dolly Parton died this week, America mourned her, especially in her home state of Tennessee. There, the Nashville International Airport is expected to get a name change to honor the beloved and bedazzled country star.
On Friday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that the airport (also known as BNA) would be named in honor of Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80. This airport has a history going back to the 1930s.
A press release from the governor’s office said naming the airport after Parton will create “a lasting tribute to her indelible legacy and the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world.”
Parton, who was a prolific songwriter, is also known as one of the few figures in the U.S. whose appeal transcends political and cultural differences. She was ranked as the most popular music artist of all time on YouGov Saturday and the 11th most popular person of all time.
She was one of 12 children who was born in Sevier County and grew up in deep Appalachia. Despite her worldwide fame, Parton never forgot where she came from. Her work to help her home state includes opening Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., an economic driver for the area. Through her organizations the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, Parton has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide to promote literacy.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” said Gov. Lee. “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.”
Lee began talking with Parton’s team about re-naming the airport this week.
“Her team expressed their appreciation for the extraordinary outpouring of support to honor Dolly and said they are touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation,” said the press release. “In keeping with the way Dolly lived her life, her team believes she still has a special way of bringing people together for good, and they hope this tribute can be another example of that enduring legacy.”
The proposed name change is expected to be discussed during the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17.
“More details will be announced in the coming weeks,” said the governor’s office.
