Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority approves plan to rename airport after Dolly Parton

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority's Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Friday to start the official renaming process for the airport, which will now be renamed in honor of the late-country music icon Dolly Parton.

Parton, who previously opposed renaming the airport after herself while she was alive, died late last month after a short battle with cancer at the age of 80. 

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority said the final name for the airport has not been determined so far, but that it is "working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated."

"We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world," the MNAA said. "We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized."

The idea of renaming the airport took off shortly after Parton's death, when Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said his administration and the airport are hoping to rename it after Parton.

Lee said he has shared his intention to honor the country singer's legacy with her family, who said they were touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.

The move to rename the airport has also caught bipartisan support, with Nashville's Democratic Mayor Freddie O’Connell also supporting the idea, according to the Associated Press.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.