Full Breakdown
Dolly Parton Airport Renaming Moves Forward After Unanimous Board Vote
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Decision
On September 11, 2026, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 to begin renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton. The resolution modifies the authority’s naming policy, which previously required a two-year waiting period after a person’s death. The board has not yet selected a final airport name and says the three-letter code BNA will remain unchanged.
Background & Context
Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026 at age 80. A Change.org petition launched in early 2025 gathered more than 175,000 signatures after her death, prompting support from Governor Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, and the Metro City Council. The MNAA’s policy exception was required because the existing rule—Policy 33-006—mandated a two-year post-mortem period for naming honors.
Timeline
- August 25, 2026 – Dolly Parton passes away.
- August 28, 2026 – Gov. Bill Lee announces intent to rename the airport.
- September 1, 2026 – Nashville Metro Council adopts a resolution urging the MNAA to rename the facility.
- September 11, 2026 – MNAA Board votes unanimously to start the renaming process.
Data & Statistics
- Petition signatures: > 175,000 (Change.org).
- Estimated renaming cost: $8 million–$10 million (state/airport estimates) or $10.3 million (2025 assessment).
- Airport code: The IATA identifier BNA will be retained.
- Passenger volume: FY 2026 recorded 26.7 million passengers, a 7.7 % year-over-year increase.
Official Statements & Responses
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of Nashville
- “Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life.” — Doug Kreulen, CEO and President of the MNAA
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cost estimates differ: some outlets cite an $8-$10 million range, while others reference a $10.3 million figure from a prior naming initiative. No final budget has been approved.
- FAA involvement: Renaming will require Federal Aviation Administration approval; the timeline for that step has not been disclosed.
- Final name: “Dolly Parton International Airport” is the most frequently mentioned option, but the MNAA has not confirmed exact wording, and the estate’s formal position remains unreleased.
Why It Matters
If completed, the rename would make Nashville International Airport the first major U.S. commercial airport named after a woman, joining a small group of facilities honoring cultural figures such as Louis Armstrong and Muhammad Ali. The move reflects Parton’s impact on music, philanthropy, and Tennessee’s global image, and it aligns with the airport’s rapid growth as an international gateway.
