Tennessee plans to rename Nashville airport after Dolly Parton

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced a proposal Friday to rename Nashville’s airport in honor of Dolly Parton, following the late country music star’s death earlier this week.

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in a statement announcing the proposed change.

“From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her,” the governor continued. “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.”

The legendary singer was raised in a one-room cabin in Sevier County, Tenn., as the fourth of 12 children. Parton remained heavily invested in the state after her rise to fame, sponsoring college scholarships for Tennessee students and holding a benefit concert to raise money for a new hospital in the county.

The country music star died in Nashville at 80 years old Tuesday.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) will discuss renaming Nashville International Airport at a meeting Sept. 17, according to the airport’s Friday press release .

MNAA President and CEO Doug Kreulen celebrated Parton’s “remarkable legacy” in a statement.

“She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status. At BNA [Nashville International Airport], we share that commitment,” Kreulen wrote.

“Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care,” he continued. “That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”

Many state and national leaders from across the aisle honored the late singer’s legacy after the news of her death earlier this week, including former presidents .

On Thursday, Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) shared a photo on social media of the governor’s residence “lit pink in honor of Dolly Parton.”

“Her extraordinary talents as a singer and songwriter will never be forgotten, nor will her lifelong commitment to giving back to her community and helping others,” Mills wrote. “Maine will always love you, Dolly!”

GOP Rep. Diana Harshbarger, who represents the area of Tennessee where Parton was raised, said the state has “lost one of our own.”

“When you say the iconic name Dolly, everyone in east Tennessee knows who you’re speaking about,” the lawmaker told CNN’s Phil Mattingly on Tuesday. “And it’s a sad day because she never forgot where she came from and she never forgot where her roots are, and that’s right here in the 1st District of Tennessee in Sevier County.”