NASHVILLE
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Friday that he plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton, the legendary country music star who died earlier this week.
The proposal follows a public petition that gathered roughly 79,000 signatures calling for the airport to be renamed "Dolly Parton International Airport."
"Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Lee said in a statement. "At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state's favorite daughter."
Lee said he spoke with Parton's team about the proposal. Her representatives said they are "touched by the idea" and remain "open to further discussions."
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will formally consider the proposal at its Sept. 17 meeting.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell also released a statement supporting the tribute.
