Nashville Airport Begins Dolly Parton Renaming Process

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of late Tennessee-born country music icon Dolly Parton, who died at age 80. No final name has been selected, and officials will consult Parton’s estate and other stakeholders on branding, required approvals, costs and implementation. The airport is expected to retain its BNA code, which refers to its former name, Berry Field, and travelers should continue using the existing name until any changes are completed. The board removed its policy requiring people honored by airport properties to have been dead for at least two years. The proposal has support from Gov. Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the Metro Council, as well as a petition with more than 175,000 signatures. Officials say the process could take a year or longer, with costs potentially reaching about $10.3 million and changes involving signage, aviation systems and commercial arrangements.