Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport have proposed naming the airport in honour of Dolly Parton, with officials also discussing a possible change to the long-used BNA code to DPI. The plan would reshape the branding of one of the state’s key aviation gateways, though the name change still requires approval from the airport authority.
The proposal was unveiled in Nashville on 28 August and has drawn backing from the governor’s office and airport leadership. Parton’s team has also been involved in the discussions and is understood to be open to continuing them. The airport authority is expected to review the naming policy at a meeting on 17 September, a step that will determine whether the tribute can move forward.
A code change would be a separate and more complex process. BNA reflects the airport’s historical origin as Berry Field Nashville, so replacing it with DPI would mark a significant shift in identity as well as signage, reservations systems and wider industry coordination. Current coverage frames the code proposal as under discussion rather than approved.