Gov. Lee Announces Partnership to Name Nashville International Airport in Honor of Dolly Parton

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport^®, also known as BNA^®, announced their intent to name BNA in honor of Dolly Parton, creating a lasting tribute to her indelible legacy and the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world.

Gov. Lee spoke with Dolly's team about the proposal this week. Her team expressed their appreciation for the extraordinary outpouring of support to honor Dolly and said they are touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation. In keeping with the way Dolly lived her life, her team believes she still has a special way of bringing people together for good, and they hope this tribute can be another example of that enduring legacy.

"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 favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness."

Born in Sevier County, Dolly Parton became a global icon whose music, creativity, and unmistakable voice reflected the heart and spirit of Tennessee. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved artists in American music history, Dolly's impact extends far beyond the stage through her lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy. Through the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, she has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide, promoting literacy and empowering children to reach their full potential.

"BNA^® 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 Thursday, September 17. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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About Nashville International Airport®

Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, is one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation and a vital infrastructure asset for Middle Tennessee. As the gateway to Music City and beyond, BNA plays a pivotal role in supporting economic growth and community prosperity.

The InterVISTAS Consulting Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, BNA generated $13.8 billion in total economic impact, supported 80,000 jobs and contributed to $2.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The airport receives no local tax dollars.

To keep pace with Nashville's rapid expansion and evolving passenger needs, BNA is undergoing a major transformation through its New Horizon expansion program. Learn more at BNANewHorizon.com and flynashville.com, and stay connected by following BNA on social media: Facebook (@NashvilleInternationalAirport), X (@Fly_Nashville), Instagram (@FlyNashville), YouTube (@NashvilleInternationalAirport) and LinkedIn (in/MNAA).

About Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted nearly 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. The Imagination Library mails more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to enrolled children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.

The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.