Campaign Flies Banner Over Nashville for 120,000-Signature Dolly Parton Airport Push

Q: Will Nashville's airport break its strict naming rules and spend millions to honor Dolly Parton's legacy?

Not anytime soon, and possibly not at all. The renaming campaign has real momentum: the petition has topped 120,000 verified signatures, with some reports putting it above 130,000, and local leaders including Metro Councilmember Russ Bradford support asking the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to consider it. Supporters argue Dolly Parton’s cultural and philanthropic legacy makes her a natural choice. But the decisive obstacle is the airport’s own naming policy. MNAA’s rules, updated in 2024, generally require that a person be dead for at least two years and have made a substantial contribution to the airport authority or aviation in Middle Tennessee. Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, so under the current policy she would not be eligible until 2028. Officials have acknowledged public interest but have not said they will waive the rule. Cost is another major barrier. An earlier airport analysis estimated a full rebrand at about $10.34 million, covering new signage, branding, uniforms, merchandise, legal documents, contracts and other changes. That figure may not include every possible legal or regulatory complication. So the likely path, if any, is a long one: public pressure, supportive resolutions or legislation, then a formal MNAA process. The airport has already chosen a symbolic tribute by lighting its garages pink. For now, Dolly Parton is being honored, but Nashville International Airport is not on track for an immediate rename.

3 articles · Updated · WZTV · Aug 28

A banner plane is scheduled to fly over downtown Nashville from about 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday to promote renaming Nashville International Airport as Dolly Parton International Airport.
The flight plan includes passes over the Tennessee State Capitol before moving over Broadway around 10 a.m., turning the petition drive into a visible public campaign.
More than 120,000 verified signatures have backed the renaming petition, with support accelerating after Parton died Tuesday at age 80.
The petition, launched in 2025, cites Parton’s music, philanthropy and Imagination Library, and the effort has also drawn backing from Metro Councilmember Russ Bradford and some state lawmakers.