Key Points
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Officials in Dolly Parton’s home state of Tennessee have taken one more step to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the Grammy winner.
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The airport authority’s board voted in favor of the move on Friday.
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Parton’s sister Stella and thousands of her fans have already given the move their blessing.
So long, Nashville International Airport. The facility will be renamed to honor music star Dolly Parton after the six-person board of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority on Friday voted unanimously in favor of the move.
“Today, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of modifying the airport’s name in honor of Dolly Parton,” the board wrote in a statement. “While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated.”
It continued, “This vote represents the first step in a multifaceted process. In the coming months, we anticipate having more definitive plans to share regarding the next steps and implementation. We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world. We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized.”
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Officials noted on Instagram, “This is an exciting and historic moment for BNA and Music City.”
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to the airport.
Parton died Aug. 25, following a cancer diagnosis that she kept secret from most.
Three days later, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee formally announced plans to rename the transportation hub in honor of the “Here You Come Again” singer and philanthropist. He said he had already spoken to the icon’s family.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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 and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Following his announcement, more than 175,000 people signed on to a Change.org campaign in support of the same objective.
The “Jolene” singer’s sister Stella told CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King this week that she is in favor of that idea — and then some.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Stella said, before laughing. “I like it and anything they want…. I think we ought to name it United States of Dolly Parton since, you know, somebody else is naming everything something else. Why not? The state of Dolly Parton. Let’s change the name of the state.”
Parton was native of the state, as she recounted in songs such as “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and “Tennessee Homesick Blues.”
Since Parton’s death, Tennessee state Sen. Jessie Seal also proposed legislation to officially mark Sept. 25 as “9 to 5” Day in honor of her 1980 song and movie.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
