The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board voted unanimously on Friday to begin the process of renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend and Tennessee icon Dolly Parton.
The 6-0 vote does not establish a new name for the airport, but it marks the first step in a multifaceted process, the board said in a statement.
“It’s official!” Nashville International Airport said on social media when announcing the vote.
Parton, beloved by country music fans around the world, died last month at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her family said on Aug. 25.
“While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated,” the airport authority said.
The airport authority said it anticipates having more definitive plans to share about the implementation in the coming months.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world,” it said. “We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized.”
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee thanked the airport authority board for its action Friday and called the vote an “important step to honor her remarkable legacy.”
“Dolly has always helped the world fall in love with Tennessee,” he said.