Tennessee Intends to Rename Nashville Airport for Dolly Parton

Gov. Bill Lee on Friday proposed renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, four days after the country music star died of cancer at age 80.

• Lee called the airport renaming a fitting tribute to 'our state's favorite daughter.'
• 140,000-plus verified signatures back a petition supporting the name change.
• Current airport policy requires a person to be dead at least two years before being honored.
• Nashville Mayor O'Connell called the proposal 'a wonderful idea' at a Friday media roundtable.

Why it matters: The proposal would require the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to waive or rewrite its existing naming policy. O'Connell said the city wants any honor to align with the wishes of Parton's family and foundation.

• State Rep. Todd Warner has said he plans to introduce separate legislation to rename the airport.

How 34 sources split on this story

Where they split: Coverage does not split on the facts; no outlet has reported opposition to the proposal.

What’s next: The airport authority meets Sept. 17 to discuss the proposal and the naming policy.

• No official name change has been approved as of Friday.
• Whether Parton's family and foundation will endorse the specific naming proposal.
• Whether the airport authority will waive the two-year waiting period or require legislation to override it.