In Nashville, Tennessee, a dispute between the Republican‑controlled state government and the Democrat‑run city government over control of the city’s airport has reached an unexpected point of common ground: renaming the airport after Dolly Parton. Despite the partisan rivalry, both sides have agreed that the airport should honor the country singer.
Parton, who had declined earlier requests for honors—including a 2021 bill to place a statue of her on Capitol grounds—expressed a willingness for a posthumous tribute. After her death two weeks ago, a petition launched by superfan Lydia Popovich gathered more than 175,000 signatures, giving the idea momentum that neither board needed to push.
At a state‑controlled Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meeting on Friday, the board unanimously approved a motion directing the airport chief executive to begin the renaming process. Officials said the change could take a year or more and would require coordination with Parton’s estate to determine how merchandise profits might be shared.
City‑controlled authorities, including Mayor Freddie O’Connell, also support the change, with spokesman Alex Apple noting that the Federal Aviation Administration would receive two votes in favor. Popovich, who spoke at the meeting, said the unanimous vote was a “beautiful experience” amid the grief of Parton’s passing, and that it would allow Tennessee to celebrate her legacy.
.jpeg?trim=0,11,0,11&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
