Well, it finally happened. After years of quietly (and not-so-quietly) wishing, the good people of Tennessee are officially getting their wish: the Nashville International Airport (BNA) is slated to be renamed in honor of the one and only Dolly Parton.
Governor Bill Lee made the announcement on August 28, confirming that the airport will soon bear the name of the state's most beloved and undeniably iconic export. Because, as the Governor put it, Dolly carried the "Volunteer Spirit" from her mountain home all the way to stages across the globe. Now, that spirit will greet everyone flying into Music City.
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, chimed in with a perfectly reasonable observation: BNA is, after all, the "front door to Music City." And if you're going to have a front door, why not have it named after someone who practically is Music City? It only makes sense to show off the best of the community.
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Start Your News DetoxKreulen noted that Dolly's legacy is one of radical welcome — a belief that dignity, kindness, and opportunity aren't reserved for certain zip codes. A philosophy that, frankly, more airports (and people) could probably use. So, whether you're stepping off a private jet or nervously taking your first-ever flight, you'll be welcomed with a bit of Dolly's signature warmth.
Because apparently, that's where we are now: flying into an airport named after a living legend. Let the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority discuss the official proposal at its September meeting. We're just here for the inevitable Parton-themed gift shops.
