Dolly Parton legacy and Nashville airport renaming

Plans advance to rename Nashville airport after Dolly Parton following her death, with family reflections on her private battle with cancer and ongoing tributes.

4 stories175 sourcesUpdated Sep 15, 2026

In this storyline:Dolly Parton Nashville International Airport Tennessee Stella Parton Nashville

Dolly Parton legacy and Nashville airport renaming — Photo: Curtis Hilbun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

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Key developments

Sep 12, 2026
Dolly Parton privately battled cancer and died on Aug. 25 at 80, with only a close circle aware.
86 sources on this →
Sep 12, 2026
Metro Nashville Airport Authority moves to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton while retaining the BNA code.
55 sources on this →
Sep 12, 2026
Tennessee plans to honor Dolly Parton by renaming Nashville International Airport with development of her Songwriter Hotel and museum.
28 sources on this →
Sep 15, 2026
Following Dolly Parton’s death, farms across the U.S. and Canada unveil corn mazes to honor her and raise money for her Imagination Library.

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Lifestyle

Dolly Parton Corn Mazes Spread Across North America

About 20 U.S. and Canadian farms opened Dolly Parton corn mazes to fund her Imagination Library; she died Aug. 25 at 80.

6 sources

Music

Tennessee Plans Nashville Airport Renaming for Parton

Tennessee plans to honor Dolly Parton by renaming Nashville International Airport and continuing development of her Songwriter Hotel and museum, set to open in 2026 with potential licensing revenue. Across Ringgold, Georgia, Denver, and Knoxville-area communities, fans and locals are commemorating her life with tributes, exhibits, and events that celebrate her private life, philanthropy, and enduring cultural impact.

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Nashville Airport Begins Dolly Parton Renaming Process

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is moving to rename Nashville International Airport 'Dolly Parton International Airport' while keeping the BNA code, with a board vote anticipated and broad support from Gov. Bill Lee and Parton’s family. The change would cost millions, still requires FAA approval, and could take six months to a year for signage if the two-year-death naming rule is waived.

55 sources

Entertainment

Stella Parton Explains Dolly’s Private Cancer Battle

Dolly Parton privately battled cancer to avoid worrying fans and died on Aug. 25 at 80, with Stella Parton saying only a close circle knew and she wouldn’t want fans saddened by illness. In addition, Parton was a secret booster of Kathy Griffin, sending a private letter praising her and encouraging her outspoken comedy before her death.

86 sources