The movement to rename Nashville International Airport after country music legend Dolly Parton has really taken off!
Nearly 50-thousand Dolly-loving fans have now signed a change.org petition lobbying to rename Music City’s airport for one of its favorite daughters.
The movement was started by two Nashville-based creatives, according to the “Tennessean.” Comedian Lydia Popovich and Goat Song Records comedy label owner Dan Dion launched the petition in January in response to legislation that would’ve sent the airport’s name in a different direction.
Tennessee Republican Rep. Toddy Warner introduced legislation focused on renaming Nashville International Airport (BNA) after President Donald Trump. That bill currently before the Tennessee Senate’s General Subcommittee of Senate Transportation and Safety would rechristen the airport “Trump International Airport.” The bill has already failed in the Tennessee state House of Representatives.
But the Dolly movement is still going strong! In fact, according to the “Tennessean,” the petition has seen a 500% spike in signatures in the past three weeks.
Dolly Parton Petition is No Joke
While Dolly herself told the “Tennessean” that the petition was “probably more of a joke than anything,” it’s getting more real by the moment.
Change.org posted about the petition on its Instagram account, writing, “Less than 5% of the world’s airports are named after women. Dolly Parton fans want to change that.” The post has a series of pictures featuring facts, including that of the world’s 352 airports, only 15 are named exclusively after women. Those include Amelia Earhart, Jordanian Queen Alia Al Hussein and former Indian Prime Minister Indira Ghandi.
And while Dolly Parton may’ve thought the movement was a joke at first, change.org quotes her as saying, “I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say, ‘Your flight’s departin’ from Nashville’s D. Parton.”
Comedians Take Airport Renaming Seriously
The comedians who started the petition say it’s more than just a bit of fun.
Popovich told the “Tennessean,” “Dolly’s a great Tennessean and great unifier who adds legitimacy to the South because her story resonates with everyone — rich, poor, gay, straight, or whatever your ethnicity or political affiliation is. All people smile when they talk or think about her — she’s the best of the South. That alone is an achievement deserving of reverence.”
And fans of Dolly are here for it! Under change.org’s Instagram post, one fan commented, “Lets put wings on this dream 🪽🪽🦋🌈💜💕”
Another said, “We concur! ❤️” and still another wrote, “Let’s freaking GO 💖💖💖💖💖”
Another confirmed participation with the comment, “Signed! I hope it happens”
Dolly Parton Has Rejected Similar Honors in the Past
The ever-humble Parton, who famously tried to withdraw her name from consideration as an inductee into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame before accepting the honor, has sidelined other efforts to pay homage to her.
In 2021, state lawmakers introduced legislation to put a statue of Parton at the Tennessee State Capitol. But while Parton thanked the legislature for considering the bill, she asked lawmakers to remove it “from any and all consideration.” The singer said she didn’t think it was appropriate at that time.
Parton told lawmakers, “I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean.”
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Departin’ From Parton! Dolly Parton Airport Campaign Takes Off!