NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A grassroots effort is underway to rename Nashville International Airport (BNA) after legendary Tennessee singer Dolly Parton.
This push comes after the state legislature considered a bill to rename BNA after President Donald Trump.
Two Tennessee residents, Dan Dion and Lydia Popovich started an online petition in hopes of Dolly Parton being considered.
“She really represents the best of what Nashvillians and Tennesseans can be,” Dion said. “There is no other person that could bring us all together. That makes us all feel proud.”
Dolly Parton’s impact extends beyond the stage. She has spent years contributing to charitable causes such as relief efforts, vaccine research and providing free books to children worldwide.
Recently, she’s previously spoken about those philanthropic efforts to WSMV4.
“I always felt like when you get in a position to help, you should help, that’s just Christian heart,” Parton said. “Growing up, like in my grandpa’s church — giving and receiving they’re both supposed to be done.”
Those deeds have resonated with nearly 6,000 people who have signed the petition.
Organizers want Dolly Parton to be one of the few women in the world to have an international airport named after them.
“What better woman to lead that charge than Dolly Parton,” Popovich said. “She has achieved so much. She shows us how to lead with grace. She tells us how to stand up for ourselves. She tells us how to break barriers.”
The bill to rename BNA after Donald Trump was previously removed from consideration in February and failed in a House committee on Tuesday, March 18.
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