Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport has announced their intent to name the airport in honour of Dolly Parton who passed in august at the age of 80.
Lee confirmed he spoke with Dolly’s team about the proposal and her team expressed their appreciation for the support to honour Dolly after an online petition gained mass momentum across social media.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” said Gov. Lee.
“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 favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
“[Nashville International Airport] 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,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
“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.”
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s (MNAA) current Naming Policy and Gov. Lee’s proposal to rename the airport will be addressed at MNAA’s meeting on 17th September.
