The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, Friday to begin the process of changing Nashville International Airport’s name to honor Dolly Parton.
The vote marks the first formal step in the renaming process, but MNAA said a final name has not yet been determined. The authority is working with the appropriate parties to decide how Parton’s name and legacy will ultimately be incorporated into the airport’s name.
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MNAA described the effort as a “multifaceted process” and said more definitive plans, including next steps and implementation details, are expected in the coming months.
The authority also thanked the Nashville community and Dolly Parton fans around the world for their support and enthusiasm surrounding the proposed change.
The board vote follows endorsements from Gov. Lee and the airport's CEO. Parton's family and foundation also appear to be in agreement with the renaming.
The process to make the administrative name change with the FAA will begin. The renaming is expected to cost between $8 million and $10 million, with funding expected to come from Metro, state, and airport resources.
The board also eliminated Rule 2010-33, which required that airport properties can only be named for people who have been dead for at least two years.
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Those involved estimate the full process, including changing all signage and completing administrative paperwork, will take six months to a year.
