Petition to Name Nashville Airport After Dolly Parton Gains Momentum
If you live in Western Kentucky or Southern Indiana, and you frequently travel, chances are you have experienced the Nashville International airport. BNA for short, it was named after the first administrator, Colonel Harry S. Berry.
Col. Berry was a distinguished war veteran of WWI and thanks to his involvement in the Works Progress Administration (part of FDR's New Deal) Berry Field Nashville was built in 1937. He was a great example of Tennessee's nickname, The Volunteer State.
However, a petition was created in 2025 to change the airport's name in honor of another famous Tennessean. One who has represented the state proudly at home and across the world: the one and only Dolly Parton. A group of superfans gets credit for this idea. Here's what they say:
"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!!"
Dolly heard of this petition to rename the airport, and at first she thought it had to be a joke. However, she agreed in an interview with The Tennessean, "I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: 'Your flight is departin' from Nashville's D. Parton.'"
While I wish this had happened while she was alive, I think it would be an amazing way to keep her legacy alive. She brought so many people together from all over the world and different walks of life. I think it is only fitting that her name is on a place that welcomes people to Music City.
When I first learned about this petition, there were only about 20,000 signatures. Now, there are over 134,000 names and counting on the list in support, including Tennessee elected officials. That number is growing by the hour. Will you be adding your name to the list?
Would the airport code stay BNA? Or DPA? Or...please forgive this sassy joke...DDD? Sorry! I had to. I think she would have found it funny. Click here to sign the petition if you want to support the cause!
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