Petition to Rename Nashville Airport After Dolly Parton Surges Past 100,000 Signatures Following Her Death

A growing movement to permanently honor Dolly Parton in Tennessee has gained extraordinary momentum following the country music icon’s death.

A petition calling for Nashville International Airport to be renamed “Dolly Parton International Airport” has now surpassed 100,000 signatures, with reports putting the total above 125,000 as support continues to grow.

The campaign had existed for more than a year before Parton’s death, but the number of supporters surged dramatically after news of her passing on August 25.

For many fans, the proposal is about more than changing an airport sign. It is being presented as a lasting tribute to a woman whose music, business career and philanthropy became closely connected with Tennessee’s identity.

Dolly Parton Airport Petition Gains Thousands of New Supporters

The petition was originally launched in January 2025 by Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion.

The organizers called for Nashville International Airport to be renamed in Parton’s honor, arguing that she had given enormously to Tennessee and had become one of the state’s most recognizable figures around the world.

The campaign reportedly had around 50,000 signatures before Parton’s death.

Following her death at age 80, tens of thousands of additional supporters signed the petition in a remarkably short period.

By August 27, reports indicated that the campaign had passed the 100,000-signature milestone and continued climbing.

The dramatic increase has transformed what was once a relatively quiet online campaign into a much larger public conversation about how Tennessee should commemorate Parton’s legacy.

What Would the New Airport Name Be?

Supporters are asking for Nashville International Airport to become:

“Dolly Parton International Airport”

The airport is commonly known by its three-letter code, BNA.

Interestingly, the BNA code dates back to the airport’s earlier identity as Berry Field. The facility originally opened in 1937 and was named after Col. Harry S. Berry.

The airport adopted the name Nashville International Airport in 1988, while the BNA code remained.

A name honoring Dolly Parton would therefore represent a major change to one of Nashville’s most important transportation landmarks.

Tennessee Lawmaker Supports Renaming Nashville Airport

The petition has also attracted political support.

Tennessee State Representative Todd Warner has publicly said that he intends to introduce legislation supporting a name change.

Warner expressed his admiration for Parton’s contributions to Tennessee, pointing specifically to her music, philanthropy, economic impact and work benefiting children.

He said he would introduce legislation to rename BNA as Dolly Parton International Airport.

That announcement has given supporters a potential path beyond the online petition.

However, signing a petition does not automatically change the airport’s official name.

Nashville Council Member Also Wants Action

The proposal has received attention at the local level as well.

Nashville Metro Council member Russ Bradford has said he plans to sponsor a resolution asking the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to consider renaming the airport.

Bradford described Parton as more than a country music superstar, calling her a global ambassador for Nashville and Tennessee.

That distinction is important because the petition itself does not have the legal authority to rename the airport.

The final decision would require action from the appropriate airport authorities, with federal considerations also potentially involved.

Sheryl Crow Says “Yes” to Dolly Parton Airport

The campaign has also received support from another major Nashville music figure: Sheryl Crow.

Crow publicly backed the idea of renaming Nashville’s airport after Parton, saying she thought the proposal should move forward.

Her comments added another high-profile voice to a campaign that has quickly gained national attention.

The support is particularly significant because Crow, like Parton, has deep connections to Nashville and the country music community.

Why Fans Want to Honor Dolly Parton in Nashville

For supporters of the campaign, Dolly Parton represents far more than a successful recording career.

She became internationally known through songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”

But her influence expanded far beyond music.

Parton built businesses, appeared in movies and television productions, wrote books and became one of the most prominent philanthropists associated with Tennessee.

Her Imagination Library has provided hundreds of millions of books to children, while her charitable efforts have supported education, healthcare, disaster recovery and other community causes.

That combination of cultural influence and philanthropy is central to the argument for giving her name to one of Nashville’s most visible landmarks.

Dolly Parton and Tennessee: A Relationship That Spanned Decades

Although Dolly Parton became a global celebrity, Tennessee remained central to her identity.

She was born in Sevier County, Tennessee, and eventually became one of the most recognizable representatives of the state.

Her connection with the region can be seen through Dollywood, her charitable foundation and the many educational and community initiatives associated with her name.

Her career also helped strengthen Nashville’s position as a global center for country music.

For supporters of the airport proposal, that makes Nashville International Airport a particularly meaningful location for a tribute.

Millions of travelers pass through the airport every year.

A name honoring Parton would potentially introduce her legacy to visitors arriving in Tennessee from around the United States and the rest of the world.

The Petition Was Started Before Dolly Parton’s Death

One detail is especially important as the campaign gains attention.

The petition was not created after Dolly Parton died.

Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion launched the campaign on January 21, 2025.

It had already attracted tens of thousands of signatures before Parton’s death.

The enormous increase in support following her passing has now pushed the campaign into the national spotlight.

The organizers have described the latest wave of support as a renewed effort to ensure that Parton’s contributions are permanently remembered.

Nashville Airport Has Already Honored Dolly Parton

Even before any potential name change, Nashville International Airport has acknowledged Parton’s passing.

Airport officials illuminated its parking garage in pink following her death, with the tribute expected to continue through the weekend.

Officials described Parton as a Tennessee legend and recognized her accomplishments as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist and entrepreneur.

The gesture has added to the emotional atmosphere surrounding the proposed airport renaming.

What Would Happen If the Petition Succeeds?

A petition reaching 100,000 signatures is a powerful indication of public interest, but it does not automatically result in an airport name change.

The campaign would still need to progress through the appropriate governmental and airport processes.

That means there are several steps between the online petition and an actual airport sign reading “Dolly Parton International Airport.”

The involvement of state lawmakers and Nashville officials could nevertheless give the proposal considerably more momentum.

Could Nashville Really Get a Dolly Parton International Airport?

At this point, the answer is not yet.

Nashville International Airport has not officially been renamed.

The petition has demonstrated substantial public support, and political figures have expressed interest in pursuing the proposal, but an official name change has not been approved.

Reports indicate that the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority would have an important role in considering the proposal, while federal approval could also be necessary.

For now, BNA remains Nashville International Airport.

But the growing campaign means the possibility is receiving serious attention.

Why the Timing Has Become So Significant

The campaign’s momentum comes during an emotional period for Dolly Parton’s fans.

Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, following what her team described as a brief battle with cancer.

Her death prompted tributes from fans, musicians, politicians and organizations around the world.

The airport campaign is now becoming one of the most visible public efforts to create a permanent tribute to her.

Rather than simply celebrating her music, supporters want to establish a physical reminder of her connection to Tennessee.

A Permanent Tribute to a Tennessee Icon

If the proposal eventually becomes reality, travelers arriving in Nashville could see Dolly Parton’s name immediately upon landing.

For supporters, that symbolism matters.

The airport is one of the first places many visitors encounter when coming to Music City.

A Dolly Parton International Airport would therefore connect her name directly with Nashville’s global reputation as a center for music, entertainment and tourism.

It would also place her legacy alongside the city’s broader cultural identity.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy Goes Beyond Music

Parton’s career was remarkable not simply because she sold millions of records.

She became a successful songwriter, performer, actress, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist.

Her charitable work has affected millions of lives, particularly through literacy initiatives.

Her Imagination Library alone has distributed hundreds of millions of books since its creation.

She also supported disaster relief efforts, healthcare research, education and families facing difficult circumstances.

That broad legacy is one reason supporters believe an airport tribute would be appropriate.

More Than 100,000 People Have Now Made Their Voices Heard

The petition milestone represents a significant moment for the campaign.

More than 100,000 people have now publicly supported the idea of naming Nashville’s international airport after Dolly Parton, with the latest reports placing the total well above that threshold.

The number could continue increasing as news of the campaign spreads.

For now, the petition remains a symbolic expression of public support.

But with lawmakers and Nashville officials discussing possible action, the campaign has moved beyond an online fan movement and into a broader conversation about how Tennessee wants to remember one of its most influential cultural figures.

Will Dolly Parton International Airport Become a Reality?

That question remains unanswered.

The campaign has momentum, celebrity support and political interest.

But no official decision has been made to rename Nashville International Airport.

What is already clear is that Dolly Parton’s connection to Tennessee remains extraordinarily strong.

Her fans are asking for that relationship to be reflected in one of the most prominent public places in the state.

And with the petition continuing to attract signatures, the proposed Dolly Parton International Airport may become one of the most closely watched naming debates in Nashville.

For a woman who spent decades putting Tennessee on the world stage, supporters say there could be no more fitting tribute than welcoming visitors to the state under her name.