Republicans and Democrats unite over renaming airport for Dolly Parton
Nashville officials are moving to rename the Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend Dolly Parton. The proposal has received bipartisan support from both state and city authorities following Parton's recent death.
Why it matters
The renaming represents a rare moment of political unity in a region currently experiencing governance disputes, while honoring a significant cultural icon.
<p>In Nashville, Tennessee, the Republican-dominated state government and Democrat-controlled city government are engaged in an ugly battle for control of the city's airport.</p> <p>But there's one thing the two sides can agree on: Nashville International Airport should be renamed to honour Tennessee's favourite daughter, Dolly Parton. The change would make Parton the first woman whose name adorns one of America’s 50 busiest airports.</p> <p>Lydia Popovich, a Parton superfan who started a petition for the name change in 2025, said that Parton had gracefully batted down the idea of naming the airport after her, as she did with many other proposed honours during her lifetime.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in