Empire State Review Team 
Petition to Rename Nashville Airport in Honor of Dolly Parton Surges
NASHVILLE – A petition advocating for the renaming of Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport has gained considerable momentum, with nearly 50,000 signatures collected. The initiative aims to honor the country music star and philanthropist, reflecting the deep admiration many have for her contributions to both the arts and society.
Significant Support for the Initiative
Launched on January 21, the petition highlights Parton as a “national treasure” and emphasizes her wide-ranging impact on the community and the world. According to the petition, Parton is celebrated not just for her musical accomplishments but also for her philanthropy and commitment to spreading goodwill:
“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton.”
Impact on Society
The organizers of the petition assert that renaming the airport in Parton’s honor is fitting due to her significant humanitarian efforts, which include her ongoing Imagination Library program. This initiative has provided over 100 million books to children since its inception in 1995:
“Dolly has made substantial impacts on thousands of lives, especially through her Imagination Library program.”
Furthermore, Parton demonstrated her commitment to helping those in need through charitable actions, such as her $1 million donation to Hurricane Helene relief efforts in 2024:
“I’m happy to be here,” she stated at a press conference, expressing her desire to support the affected communities.
Recent Developments in the Naming Debate
The push for this renaming comes in the midst of political discussions surrounding the airport’s identity, including a previously proposed bill to rename it after Donald Trump. However, that proposal was ultimately scrapped:
- A Tennessee lawmaker introduced a bill late last year to create a new name honoring Trump.
- This bill was removed from consideration following pushback from Nashville legislators.
Organizers of the Dolly Parton petition emphasized that their effort began prior to this political proposal and is not aimed at opposing any politician. Co-organizer Dan Dion stated:
“If this is something that you’re willing to consider, think about Dolly.”
Looking Ahead
As of now, no formal comments from Tennessee lawmakers have been recorded regarding the petition or potential legislative actions. Supporters remain hopeful that their voices will influence the future naming of Nashville International Airport.
For more updates on this unfolding story, keep an eye on relevant news sources.
