The late Dolly Parton will soon have a new namesake as Nashville International Airport in Tennessee is set to be renamed in her honor. The decision was made by the airport’s board of commissioners following a recent vote.

The initiative to rename the airport after the celebrated singer gained traction after her passing at the age of 80 last month. Fans launched a social media campaign advocating for the change, which garnered significant support from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

Governor Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with the state of Tennessee, making it fitting for the airport to bear her name and embody the enduring legacy of her music, generosity, faith, and kindness for travelers worldwide.

The decision to rename the airport was lauded as an important step to honor Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy, highlighting her significant contributions to Tennessee’s economy, philanthropy, and cultural prominence, notably through her Dollywood theme park.

Born in Tennessee in 1946, Dolly Parton rose to global fame with her music career, starting at a young age performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. While the timeline for the renaming process remains uncertain, the airport’s current policies require a two-year waiting period following an individual’s passing before any property can be named after them.

The precise name for the airport honoring Dolly Parton is yet to be decided. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to carefully determine how to incorporate Dolly Parton’s name and legacy into the airport’s identity.