Nashville International Airport is to be renamed after Dolly Parton, a board of commissioners voted on Friday, in tribute to the Smoky Mountain singer who is estimated to bring $1.8 billion each year to Tennessee through her Dollywood theme park. The decision ensures that Parton, who died last month at 80 years old, will be memorialized with her name on an airport, although the renaming process will take time to complete. In her lifetime, Parton didn't think the idea, which came about last year, would really come to fruition. “I think that’s probably more of a joke than anything,” Parton told The Tennessean. “I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: ‘Your flight is departin’ from Nashville’s D Parton.’” The name change is likely to be pricey since it will require new signage across the entire 4,500-acre property, as well as updates to airport monuments, merchandise, shuttle buses, uniforms, business cards, legal contracts and leases. Although the new airport name in her honor has not been decided, the Nashville Airport Authority is working closely with the appropriate parties to determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated.
