On September 11, 2026, the MNAA Board voted unanimously to begin renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton after her death in August 2026 at age 80. The final name, branding and timeline have not been announced, and the process may take several months. The airport's IATA code (BNA) will remain unchanged, and American Airlines is expected to renumber a Dallas–Nashville flight to 925 in tribute beginning March 2027.
Nashville International Airport to Be Renamed in Honor of Dolly Parton
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Country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton died in August 2026 at age 80. In the weeks that followed, Nashville officials moved quickly to honor her legacy: on September 11, 2026, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners voted unanimously (6-0) to begin the process of renaming Nashville International Airport in her honor.
What the board said
We voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of modifying the airport's name in honor of Dolly Parton.
Until this vote, MNAA policy required that a person be deceased for at least two years before an airport could be considered for renaming. Officials say they are "working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton's name and legacy will be incorporated," but they have not yet announced a final name, logo or timeline. The renaming process is expected to take several months or longer.
What won't change immediately
The airport's IATA code, BNA, will remain the same. Airport codes typically stay unchanged after a renaming to avoid traveler confusion; BNA traces back to Berry Field, named for Colonel Harry S. Berry, who helped develop Nashville during the 1930s as part of Tennessee's Works Progress Administration.
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Public reaction and symbolic tributes
Fans responded emotionally to the announcement on social media. Many called the honor "well-deserved," while others suggested incorporating butterflies — a long-running symbol associated with Parton and used by Dollywood — into the airport's new branding.
Beyond signage and branding, some commercial gestures are also planned. Aviation Circle reported on Instagram that American Airlines intends to renumber its Dallas–Fort Worth to Nashville route: starting in March 2027, the flight currently listed as 1396 would become flight 925, a nod to Parton's hit song "9 to 5." The airline has not released an official statement but the change has been widely reported on aviation-focused accounts.
Dolly and Nashville
Nashville played a central role in Parton's life and career — she moved to the city after high school to pursue music and became one of its most famous cultural ambassadors. Visitors can follow Dolly-inspired stops including the Grand Ole Opry and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge near the Ryman Auditorium. As of fall 2026, the city also houses the "Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum" on the third floor of the SongTeller Hotel, which Parton described as her "love letter to the city."
As the renaming process unfolds, officials say they will consult with community stakeholders to ensure any changes honor Parton’s legacy thoughtfully and respectfully.
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