Tennessee governor says he backs airport name change to honor Dolly Parton
The Guardian • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed support for renaming Nashville’s international airport after country music legend Dolly Parton, who passed away at age 80 three days earlier.
- The proposal aims to honor Parton's legacy and her deep connection to Tennessee, with plans to discuss the renaming at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meeting on September 17.
- A petition supporting the name change has garnered over 150,000 signatures, reflecting widespread public enthusiasm for commemorating Parton’s impact on the state and its culture.
- Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell indicated that renaming the airport is part of broader efforts to celebrate Parton, including plans for a hotel and museum called SongTeller, developed by the singer before her death.
- Parton’s family requested a private funeral, with no public memorial planned; she will be buried beside her husband at Nashville’s Woodlawn Memorial Park.
