GettyA debate is underway in Music City about renaming Nashville International Airport. And it has some asking, “What Would Dolly Do?”
Tennessee Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Name Airport After President
GettyTennessee Republican Rep. Toddy Warner has introduced legislation focused on renaming Nashville International Airport (BNA) after the new President. The bill before the Tennessee House of Representatives would rechristen the airport “Trump International Airport.”
Three other GOP representatives are co-sponsoring the bill, which also has the backing of one state senator.
Petition Seeks to Name the Airport After Dolly Parton Instead
GettyBut not everyone is lining up to support the idea. In fact, the legislation has sparked a petition to rename the airport for country music legend Dolly Parton.
The petition on change.org reads:
“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton.
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. Dolly has made substantial impacts on thousands of lives, especially through her Imagination Library program, which has gifted over 100 million books to children since it began in 1995. 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.
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!!”
Funding for Renaming Airport is Unclear
Neither the bill nor the petition outline funding for the name change.
Currently, the airport’s official name is Nashville International Airport, but the airport code is “BNA.” That stands for Berry Field Nashville. This was the name of the airport from 1937 to 1988, in honor of World War I veteran Colonel H.S. Berry, who was instrumental in founding the airport.
The name change in 1988 coincided with the establishment of an American Airlines hub there.
The airport unveiled a massive new entrance sign in late 2021 as part of its $1.5 billion expansion plan.
So far, there’s been no comment from Dolly Parton about the effort to rename the airport in her honor. But in 2021, state lawmakers introduced legislation to put a statue of Parton at the Tennessee State Capitol. But while Parton thanked the legislature for considering the bill, she asked lawmakers to remove it “from any and all consideration.” The singer said she didn’t think it was appropriate at that time.
Parton told lawmakers, “I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean.”
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