NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville International Airport is moving toward becoming Dolly Parton International Airport, a major tribute to the Tennessee music icon following her death on August 25, 2026, at age 80. But for millions of travelers who know Nashville by three letters, one important detail is not expected to change: BNA is staying.
Nashville International Airport to change its name to Dolly Parton International Airport. — NC5
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) September 11, 2026
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority is moving the proposal through its approval process following support from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Nashville leaders and a public campaign that began before Parton’s death. The change could cost an estimated $8 million to $10 million and take six months to a year to fully implement.
Dolly Parton airport rename moves closer
Lee and Nashville International Airport announced on August 28 that they intended to pursue naming the airport in Parton’s honor, three days after her death.
The Tennessee governor’s official announcement said Lee had spoken with Parton’s team. Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority President and CEO Doug Kreulen also backed the proposal.
Nashville’s Metro Council has supported the change, but the airport authority controls the naming process. That means political backing does not by itself immediately turn BNA into Dolly Parton International Airport.
BNA code will remain on tickets and baggage tags
The airport is expected to keep its BNA code. Travelers would continue using BNA when booking Nashville flights and seeing it on boarding passes, baggage tags and flight information even after the public name changes.
BNA has historical roots in Berry Field, named for Col. Harry S. Berry, who played an important role in Nashville aviation. Keeping the code preserves that connection while allowing the airport’s public-facing identity to honor Parton.
Retaining an established airport identifier also reduces confusion across airline and travel systems. Clear airport information becomes particularly important during major disruptions, such as the recent Heathrow and Gatwick air traffic control problems.
The campaign started while Dolly Parton was alive
The proposal did not begin after Parton’s death. A fan-led petition calling for Nashville’s airport to carry her name was already circulating and gained significantly more attention afterward, with local reporting putting support above 150,000 signatures.
Parton herself was asked about the campaign in a 2025 CBS interview. She said she initially thought the idea was a joke but considered it flattering. What began as a tribute during her lifetime has now developed into an official memorial proposal.
A two-year airport rule stands in the way
The airport authority’s existing naming policy creates an unusual procedural issue. It generally requires a person to have been dead for at least two years before airport property can carry their name.
Parton died only weeks before the proposal advanced. Metro Council has asked the authority to make an exception, and the board can amend its policy. Without action on the rule, the waiting period could delay a Parton naming until 2028.
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Renaming could cost $8 million to $10 million
Local reporting estimates the transformation could cost approximately $8 million to $10 million. An airport rebrand can involve terminal and roadway signs, wayfinding, digital platforms, administrative records and other public-facing material.
Officials are also expected to work through the necessary federal aviation administrative process. The transition is estimated to take roughly six months to one year.
A detailed final funding breakdown has not yet been publicly established, so it would be premature to assume local taxpayers alone will cover the entire cost.
Parton’s team has been consulted on the proposal
Lee’s office said Parton’s team was consulted before the plan was publicly announced. Her representatives said they were touched by the support and open to continuing the conversation.
That is more limited than formal approval of every aspect of the project, an important distinction while the naming process remains underway.
Parton’s Tennessee legacy drives support for the rename
Born in Sevier County, Parton built her career in Nashville and became one of Tennessee’s most internationally recognized figures. Supporters are also highlighting a philanthropic legacy extending well beyond music.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, launched through the Dollywood Foundation in 1995, grew from a Tennessee literacy initiative into an international program sending books to young children.
BNA itself is a major economic gateway. Tennessee officials say the airport generated about $13.8 billion in economic impact in 2024 and supported approximately 80,000 jobs.
The BNA rename will not affect existing bookings
Passengers do not need to change existing reservations. Flights continue through Nashville International Airport, and travelers should continue searching for BNA.
The proposed rename is a branding and administrative change, not an operational disruption. That differs from aviation safety events such as the recent Miami cargo plane crash investigation, where authorities were responding directly to an aircraft accident.
If the remaining approval and policy steps are completed, new signage and branding could gradually introduce Dolly Parton International Airport. The familiar three letters passengers see on tickets and baggage tags, however, are expected to remain BNA.
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