Organizers want to honor Parton for her philanthropic work and her impact on the music industry
An effort to rename Nashville International Airport (BNA) after Dolly Parton is gaining public attention. The change.org petition was launched by Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion in late January after the state legislature considered — and later nixed — a bill to rename BNA after President Donald Trump.
“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton,” the petition reads. “She is not only a celebrated artist who encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but also a philanthropist, known for her countless contributions to society. It is only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman.”
Parton is known for her her philanthropic work. She established The Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to inspired children in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee to achieve educational success. Her Imagination Library has gifted over 200 million age-appropriate books since its launch in 1995. In January, she teamed with Nashville’s Belmont University to launch Dolly U, a partnership that promises to cultivate a transformative and immersive educational experience for students across a variety of disciplines. Additional philanthropy includes My People Fund, college scholarships, the Buddy Program, and donations to public health initiatives, national disaster relief, and more.
“Dolly’s philanthropic efforts, her outstanding influence in the music industry, and the love she has instilled in our hearts through her actions and songs, truly make her a deserving candidate to have the Nashville International Airport named after her,” the petition continues. “We request that the airport’s name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world. Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin’ from Parton!!”
Last year, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) honored the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer the 2024 Peace Through Music Award, which honors an American music industry professional who’s played an invaluable role in cross-culture exchanges and beyond.
As of this writing, over 7500 signatures have been verified from those supporting the petition.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, State Senator Heidi Campbell, and House member Bob Freeman have been notified but not responded to the petition, according to the listing. Change.org says says 100,000 signatures would receive a formal response by the federal government, but many petitions with fewer signatures have made a difference.
