Nashville International Airport is officially on its way to becoming Dolly Parton International Airport following a unanimous vote by the Nashville Airport Authority on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

The historic decision follows strong endorsements from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the airport’s CEO, alongside support from Parton’s family and foundation. To clear the way for the rebrand, the board voted to eliminate a previous rule requiring airport properties to be named after individuals who have been deceased for at least two years.

While the official name will honor East Tennessee’s legendary singer-songwriter, the airport’s iconic three-letter BNA code will remain unchanged to preserve the legacy of Col. Harry S. Berry, who helped establish the facility in 1939.

The administrative transition with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to begin immediately. The full integration—covering all physical signage and updated branding—is projected to take between six months and a year. Funding for the transition, estimated to cost $8 million to $10 million, will be drawn from a combination of airport, state, and metropolitan resources. Travelers can expect to see the complete transformation rolled out across the terminal as the administrative process moves forward.