This Airport Is Getting Renamed In Honor Of Dolly Parton

Country music superstar and renowned philanthropist Dolly Parton died at age 80 in August 2026, and fans were shocked and saddened. In the wake of her passing, there has been an outpouring of love and tributes to Parton, especially in Nashville, the country music capital. Plans have even been put in motion to change the name of Nashville International Airport to pay homage to the singer. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners released a statement on September 11, 2026, saying that they "voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of modifying the airport's name in honor of Dolly Parton."

Before this update, this policy had stipulated that the airport could only be renamed after someone who had been deceased for two years or more. It's not exactly clear when the name change will take place, but it will likely take a few months or more. We also don't know exactly what the name will be. The statement says, "We are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton's name and legacy will be incorporated."

We do know that the airport code (BNA) will stay the same. Even when an airport changes its name, typically the airport code will stay the same to help avoid confusion over where you're going. The code references the airport's original name — Berry Nashville Airport. It was named for Colonel Harry S. Berry, who helped build up Nashville as Tennessee's Works Progress Administration administrator during the 1930s.

Fans have loved hearing that the Nashville International Airport will honor Dolly Parton. In response to the Nashville airport's post on X about the change, one user writes, "That is so well-deserved, Dolly truly brings joy to everyone!" Another was touched by the idea, posting, "She arrived in Nashville with a dream. Now Nashville wants people arriving through an airport bearing her name." Others even think that butterflies should be a part of the logo along with the name change — Parton and butterflies have gone hand in hand for years, including one in the logo at Dollywood, which once edged out Disney as the best theme park for 2025. 

Not only will passengers be able to fly to an airport bearing Parton's legacy, but they could also be on a flight that honors her with American Airlines. According to the Aviation Circle on Instagram, starting in March 2027, flight 1396 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Nashville will be changed to flight 925, in reference to Parton's hit song "9 to 5."

It's fitting that the Nashville airport will reference Parton in some way, as this town was a big part of her life. She moved there after high school to begin her long career as a musician. You can put together your own Dolly-inspired tour of Nashville: some of Parton's favorite destinations include the Grand Ole Opry and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge near the Ryman Auditorium. As of fall 2026, Music City is also home to the Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, where you can get unique insights into the artist's life. It's on the third floor of the SongTeller Hotel, which Parton called her "love letter to the city."