A campaign to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton is quickly gaining momentum following her death at age 80 on Tuesday, August 25, after a brief battle with cancer. A Change.org petition, originally started in January 2025 by Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion, has gained over 100,000 additional signatures within 24 hours of her death being announced.

The petitioners called the renewed support an “outpouring” that reinvigorated their mission, saying Parton “deserves to be remembered and celebrated.” The campaign has drawn support from collaborator Sheryl Crow, who endorsed the idea in an interview, and Tennessee State Rep. Todd Warner, who confirmed plans to introduce legislation for the renaming.Warner noted the state’s $1.2 billion revenue surplus could help cover rebranding costs, calling Parton “a great person” who gave enormously to Tennessee. Nashville Councilman Russ Bradford has also expressed support, though he noted the final decision rests with the Airport Authority board and requires FAA approval.The airport currently operates under the code BNA, named after WWI and WWII veteran Col. Harry Smith Berry.