Overview
- Gov. Bill Lee announced the proposal on Friday, Aug. 28, saying he had spoken with Parton’s team who told him they were touched by the idea and open to further discussion.
- The Metro Nashville Airport Authority scheduled consideration of the governor’s proposal and its naming policy for its Sept. 17 meeting, giving the authority formal control over any change.
- A Change.org petition launched in January 2025 surged after Parton’s Aug. 25 death and has gathered well over 150,000 signatures, with supporters staging visible actions such as a banner flight over Nashville.
- Key officials including MNAA CEO Doug Kreulen, Mayor Freddie O’Connell and state and local lawmakers have publicly backed the rename and some pledged legislation or council resolutions to press the case.
- MNAA’s current policy generally requires a two‑year wait after a person’s death so a formal renaming could be delayed until about Aug. 2028 unless the authority or lawmakers revise the rule, and any change would also require rebranding work and regulatory steps before it takes effect.