State Board Approves Process for Renaming Airport in Honor of Dolly Parton

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority on Friday voted unanimously to begin the process of changing the airport's name in honor of Dolly Parton.

A final name has not been determined, and the MNAA board said in a statement that it is "working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated."

Nashville International Airport is currently known as BNA, a reference to the airport’s original name, Berry Field. That name was inspired by decorated World War I and World War II U.S. Army veteran Col. Harry Smith Berry.

Friday's MNAA resolution directs president and CEO Doug Kreulen "to immediately begin the process to effectuate the change in consultation with and subject to approval of Dolly Parton’s estate and other appropriate entities." It also directs Kreulen to create a timeline and implementation plan, as well as determine estimated costs associated with the renaming effort.

"This vote represents the first step in a multifaceted process," the board's statement reads. "In the coming months, we anticipate having more definitive plans to share regarding the next steps and implementation."

'Dolly Parton International' Push Has Growing Bipartisan Momentum

Mayor, governor weigh in on memorializing Tennessee icon with airport rename while plane promoting petition flies over the Capitol

A public petition for the name change — first circulated in January following state Rep. Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill) filing legislation to rename the airport after Donald Trump — now has more than 175,000 signatures. Warner said after pushback at the time, and has since reiterated, that he supports naming the airport after Parton.

On Aug. 28, Gov. Bill Lee's office announced its intention to partner with the Nashville International Airport to make the name change, saying in a statement: "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."

The city and state still operate conflicting airport authority boards after state lawmakers passed legislation to put their own boards in charge of Tennessee airports earlier this year. The city's MNAA-appointed board has continued to meet, and Nashville attorneys filed a federal suit in July to contest the state’s legislation. That court battle is ongoing.