The Nashville airport board has unanimously approved a name change to honor Dolly Parton, a decision made public on Friday. The move comes as part of a tribute to the Smoky Mountain singer, who is estimated to have contributed $1.8bn annually to Tennessee through her Dollywood theme park. The renaming process, however, will take time to complete, with the final name yet to be determined.

The decision marks a significant step in commemorating Parton, who passed away at 80 last month. In her lifetime, Parton expressed skepticism about the idea, calling it a joke. "I think that’s probably more of a joke than anything," she told the Tennessean. "I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: 'Your flight is departin’ from Nashville’s D Parton.'" Despite her initial reservations, the move has gained momentum following the support of local officials.

The renaming gained traction last month after Nashville mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee governor Bill Lee endorsed the change. Lee highlighted Parton’s "Volunteer spirit" and described her as the state’s "favorite daughter." "It is fitting that Nashville international airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness," he stated.

The airport authority noted that the name change will be costly, requiring new signage across the 4,500-acre property, updates to monuments, merchandise, shuttle buses, uniforms, business cards, legal contracts, and leases. While the final name has not been decided, Tennessean columnist Alejandro Ramos argued that the case for the change extends beyond music, citing Parton’s contributions to Tennessee and international literacy through her Imagination Library charity.

Ramos wrote that Parton’s songs helped make Tennessee recognizable globally, but her "deepest legacy may be what she did with the success that followed." He noted that she turned her fame, wealth, and influence outward, a contrast to many who amass power without giving back. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority stated it is working closely with appropriate parties to thoughtfully incorporate Parton’s name and legacy into the airport.

The renaming process will require extensive planning and coordination, with the final name and implementation details still to be determined. The decision reflects a broader trend of honoring cultural icons through public infrastructure, though the financial and logistical implications remain significant.