Tennessee Governor Announces Huge Change in Honor of Dolly Parton

The world lost one of the most beloved people on August 25, 2026. Dolly Parton’s death shocked us all, and the tributes immediately poured in. Family, friends, celebrities, fans, and even the Royal Family shared their thoughts on the legendary performer. On August 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport made a huge announcement. To honor one of the state’s most iconic residents and generous hearts, the airport will soon be named after Dolly Parton.

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“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee shared in a news release. “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 of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, shared his excitement about the airport’s new name and the city’s love for Dolly Parton.

“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,” he said. “Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life. She understood that dignity, kindness, and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status. 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.”

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