A campaign to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton gained significant attention following her reported death at age 80. A Change.org petition, originally launched by Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion in January 2025, received more than 100,000 additional signatures within 24 hours of the announcement. The organizers said the effort was intended to honor Parton’s contributions to Tennessee and the wider world.

The campaign also attracted support from country singer Sheryl Crow, who publicly expressed enthusiasm for the idea. Tennessee State Representative Todd Warner also said he would introduce legislation supporting the proposed name change, praising Parton’s contributions to the state, country music, and children’s causes. Another Nashville councilman, Russ Bradford, said he had contacted Airport Authority board members about exploring the proposal.

Renaming the airport would require more than a petition, however. The Nashville Airport Authority would have to approve the change, and federal approval from the Federal Aviation Administration would also be required. Supporters have pointed to Parton’s longstanding connection with Tennessee, including her music career, business ventures, and philanthropic work through organizations such as the Imagination Library.

The campaign organizers described the renewed support as a way to celebrate her legacy and keep her connection with the state visible for future generations. The airport currently uses the code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville Airport, named after Tennessee native and military veteran Col. Harry Smith Berry. Any future renaming would therefore involve changes to the airport’s public identity, signage, and other official references.