Petition to rename airport after Dolly Parton gains more than 50,000 signatures

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRC) - A petition to rename Nashville International Airport (BNA) in honor of Tennessee music icon Dolly Parton is gaining momentum, with more than 50,000 signatures collected since its launch on Jan. 21.

The initiative comes in response to a separate proposal to rename the airport after former President Donald Trump.

The petition, hosted on Change.org, emphasizes Parton's contributions to music and philanthropy. It states:

As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton. She is not only a celebrated artist who encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but also a philanthropist, known for her countless contributions to society.

The petition highlights Parton's Imagination Library program, which has provided over 100 million books to children since 1995, as a testament to her impact.

Dolly's philanthropic efforts, her outstanding influence in the music industry, and the love she has instilled in our hearts through her actions and songs, truly make her a deserving candidate to have the Nashville International Airport named after her.

Despite the growing support, no Tennessee lawmakers have formally commented on the petition or introduced a bill to the state legislature, FOX17 reported.

The airport's current name, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran and the airport's first administrator.

Critics of both renaming proposals cite this historical significance as a reason to maintain the airport's existing name.