Grassroots effort underway to rename airport after Dolly Parton

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A grassroots effort is underway to rename Nashville International Airport after legendary Tennessee singer Dolly Parton.

The push comes after the state Legislature considered a bill to rename the airport after President Donald Trump.

Tennessee residents Dan Dion and Lydia Popovich started an online petition in hopes of Dolly Parton being considered.

“She really represents the best of what Nashvillians and Tennesseans can be,” Dion said. “There is no other person that could bring us all together, that makes us all feel proud.”

Dolly Parton has become well-known beyond the stage. She has spent years contributing to charitable causes such as relief efforts, vaccine research and providing free books to children worldwide.

“I always felt like when you get in a position to help, you should help, that’s just Christian heart,” Parton said. “Growing up, like in my grandpa’s church -- giving and receiving they’re both supposed to be done.”

Those deeds have resonated with nearly 6,000 people who have since joined the petition, supporting Parton for the airport name.

Organizers said they want Parton to be one of the few women in the world to have an international airport named after them.

“What better woman to lead that charge than Dolly Parton,” Popovich said. “She has achieved so much. She shows us how to lead with grace. She tells us how to stand up for ourselves. She tells us how to break barriers.”

The bill to rename the airport after Trump ended up being removed from consideration in February.

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