Tennessee moves to rename Nashville airport for Dolly Parton days after beloved icon's death

"At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state's favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness."

Following Parton's death this week, the organizers said tens of thousands of additional supporters signed the petition and renewed their effort to have Nashville's airport carry her name.

The campaign has also drawn support from Tennessee officials. State Rep. Todd Warner said in a response published on the petition page that he would introduce legislation supporting the change.

Nashville Council member Russ Bradford also said he would sponsor a resolution asking the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to consider the change, while stressing that the authority, rather than the council, has the ultimate say over the airport's name.

"I am honored and humbled by their intention, but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration," Parton said at the time in a post shared to social media.

She explained that she did not believe such an honor was appropriate while the country was confronting larger challenges, but left open the possibility that Tennessee might honor her in that way someday.

"Given all that is going on in the world, I don't think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time," Parton said. "I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I'm gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I'm certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean."

The proposal to rename the airport will be discussed at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority's next meeting on Sept. 17, according to their release.