NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — UPDATE: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, Friday to begin the process of changing Nashville International Airport’s name to honor Dolly Parton.
The vote marks the first formal step in the renaming process, but MNAA said a final name has not yet been determined. The authority is working with the appropriate parties to decide how Parton’s name and legacy will ultimately be incorporated into the airport’s name.
MNAA described the effort as a “multifaceted process” and said more definitive plans, including next steps and implementation details, are expected in the coming months.
The authority also thanked the Nashville community and Dolly Parton fans around the world for their support and enthusiasm surrounding the proposed change.
It's official! The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously, 6 to 0, to modify our existing naming policy, marking the first step toward renaming Nashville International Airport® in honor of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/e1N7oF6PBo
— Fly Nashville (@Fly_Nashville) September 11, 2026
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Nashville's airport is on the verge of a historic name change.
A Nashville International Airport board member told NewsChannel5's Nick Beres the board will officially vote tomorrow to approve renaming the airport Dolly Parton International Airport. All 7 board members are expected to vote in favor, making the decision unanimous.
The airport's 3-letter BNA designation will remain in place to honor Col. Harry S. Berry, who helped build the airport in 1939. The official name, however, will become Dolly Parton International Airport.
The board vote follows endorsements from Gov. Lee and the airport's CEO. Parton's family and foundation also appear to be in agreement with the renaming.
Once the vote is confirmed, the process to make the administrative name change with the FAA will begin. The renaming is expected to cost between $8 million and $10 million, with funding expected to come from Metro, state, and airport resources.
The board will also move immediately to eliminate Rule 2010-33, which currently requires that airport properties can only be named for people who have been dead for at least 2 years.
Those involved estimate the full process, including changing all signage and completing administrative paperwork will take six months to a year before travelers can officially book a flight in or out of Dolly Parton International Airport.
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