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- Airport renamed for Dolly Parton: what changed and what stays
- SongTeller Hotel and a museum: Dolly’s growing cultural footprint in Nashville
- Honors, funeral details, and a final recording
- What travelers and fans should expect next
- How the city plans to preserve her legacy
- Practical notes for visitors and media
Nashville’s airport will soon carry the name of one of its most famous daughters. City leaders moved quickly after the country music legend’s death, voting to rename the facility in her honor and aligning the change with new attractions that celebrate her life and work.
Airport renamed for Dolly Parton: what changed and what stays
The seven-member board of the Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously on September 11 to give the airport a new name. It will be known going forward as the Dolly Parton International Airport.
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Despite the rename, the airport will keep its familiar three-letter code, BNA. That identifier honors Col. Harry S. Berry, whose work helped shape the airport nearly a century ago.
Why the change happened now
Calls to honor Parton had been growing for years. Her passing intensified those efforts. Tennessee leadership, including Governor Bill Lee, publicly supported the move days after her death.
SongTeller Hotel and a museum: Dolly’s growing cultural footprint in Nashville
The airport rename is only one part of a larger effort to enshrine Parton in Music City. On September 29, the new SongTeller Hotel will open its doors in downtown Nashville.
On the same day, the Life of Many Colors Museum will begin welcoming visitors. The museum occupies the hotel’s third floor and aims to present Parton’s story from her own point of view.
- Hotel opening: September 29.
- Museum opening: September 29, located on the third floor of the SongTeller Hotel.
- Featured exhibit: a reproduction of the tiny cabin where Parton was born.
Honors, funeral details, and a final recording
Parton died on August 25 after a short cancer battle. She was 80.
She was laid to rest at Nashville’s Woodlawn Memorial Park, beside her husband, Carl Dean. The city is organizing several tributes.
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce plans to present a posthumous award for her services to the city. Family, fans, and civic leaders will participate in ceremonies and commemorations.
In the days after her death, a posthumous recording was released. The song, a tribute to the Stanley Brothers titled “I’m Bound to Ride,” debuted on September 9.
What travelers and fans should expect next
The renaming will affect signage, announcements, and promotional materials over time. But travelers should note one important technical point:
- The airport’s IATA code remains BNA. Airlines and tickets will continue to use that code.
- New signage and branding updates will roll out gradually across terminals.
- Expect dedicated photo areas and new exhibits celebrating Parton in public spaces.
Key dates at a glance
- August 25 — Dolly Parton passed away.
- September 9 — Posthumous single “I’m Bound to Ride” released.
- September 11 — Airport authority voted to rename the airport.
- September 29 — SongTeller Hotel and Life of Many Colors Museum open.
How the city plans to preserve her legacy
Nashville’s approach pairs tourism with cultural preservation. The hotel and museum are designed as gathering places for musicians and visitors.
Officials say the museum will let fans experience Parton’s life through artifacts, storytelling, and immersive displays.
- Museum feature: recreated childhood cabin and personal memorabilia.
- Hotel concept: a music-focused venue for artists and guests.
- City honors: awards and civic recognitions in the coming weeks.
Practical notes for visitors and media
Travelers heading to Nashville should watch for updated airport signage and branding. Media requests and press visits will likely increase around opening dates.
For those planning visits: the hotel and museum will offer ticketing information and event schedules online before opening day. Early reservations are likely to be in high demand.
