A fresh petition is gathering momentum, suggesting a name change for Nashville International Airport to honour Tennessee’s-own country music legend, Dolly Parton.
Previously, a petition was launched by supporters of Donald Trump, proposing the airport be renamed in tribute to the current US President.
The petition honouring Dolly Parton has since garnered over 50,000 signatures.
Shortly after, another petition emerged on January 21st, spotlighting Parton’s significant contributions to music, entertainment and philanthropy.
“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are driven by our profound respect for national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton”, the creators penned.
“She is not just an acclaimed artist promoting love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but also a philanthropist, recognised for her numerous societal contributions. It seems only appropriate that a landmark as prominent as Nashville International Airport bears the name of such an extraordinary woman”.
The petition further highlights some of Parton’s community achievements: “Dolly has profoundly impacted thousands of lives, notably through her Imagination Library programme, which has donated over 100 million books to children since its inception in 1995”.
“Dolly’s philanthropic endeavours, her exceptional influence in the music industry, and the love she has inspired in our hearts through her actions and songs, truly make her a deserving candidate to have the Nashville International Airport named in her honour”.
The petition suggests renaming the airport to Dolly Parton International Airport as a tribute to an icon who has contributed significantly to the state and globally: “Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin’ from Parton!”
Regarding the timing of the initiative – following plans to rename the airport after Trump – its initiators wrote: “Last week the original bill to rename BNA Airport after President Trump failed and our [Dolly] petition saw a wave of support. […] With lawmakers willing to discuss a renaming, we want it named after someone that we all support. This is not a movement against anyone’s politics, but rather a campaign to show unity in recognition of a singularly exceptional native Tennessean.”
Despite the swelling support for the petition, no Tennessee legislators have yet confirmed any plans to alter the airport’s name – that was once Berry Fields Nashville in homage to Colonel Harry S Berry, a World War I veteran and the first administrator of the airport.