Thousands of people have signed a petition to rename the Nashville airport in honor of Dolly Parton.

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old,” stated an official announcement issued on Tuesday (August 25). Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, also confirmed his aunt’s passing in a video shared to the late legend’s social media accounts. The country music community quickly honored Parton and mourned her loss in emotional tributes. Parton’s representatives confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE on Tuesday evening that she died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.”

Signatures on the petition have surged since Parton’s death. It was created in January 2025, and now, more signatures are pouring in to support the name change. As of publication time on Wednesday (August 26), more than 84,00 people have signed the petition, including tens of thousands who signed after Parton died on Tuesday. That number continues to climb.

“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton,” the petition states. “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. It is only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman. Dolly has made substantial impacts on thousands of lives, especially through her Imagination Library program, which has gifted over 100 million books to children since it began in 1995. 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. We request that the airport’s name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world. Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin' from Parton!! “

The petition calls for Gov. Bill Lee and three members of the Tennessee House of Representatives — Bob Freeman, Todd Warner and Fred Atchley — to update the airport's name in honor of Parton. Government officials have not announced any plan to change the name of the airport as of publication time. The Nashville International Airport illuminated with pink lights on Tuesday night in honor of the beloved country star.

The current code for the airport, BNA, stands for Barry Field Nashville, named after World War I veteran Colonel Harry S. Berry. The airport first opened in 1937. Though it was officially renamed Nashville International Airport in the late ‘80s, the BNA code remained.

The official announcement issued Tuesday afternoon states that “Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). …At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”

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