Dolly Parton said the petition to rename the Nashville airport after her was “probably more of a joke than anything.”

Local comedian Lydia Popovich and photographer Dan Dion created the petition in January 2025 to rename the international airport after the beloved country legend. Parton had a lighthearted response to the initiative. She told the Tennessean at the time that she took it as “more of a joke,” and didn’t believe it would become “an actual thing.” She also told Gayle King in an interview on Good Morning America, which Change.org has since resurfaced, “well, I’m very flattered. I think that’s just a joke. I don’t think anybody’s all that serious about that.”

Parton “died peacefully” on Tuesday (August 25) in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. Her representatives confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that she died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.” The country music community and many others mourned Parton’s loss and honored her memory in an outpouring of emotional tributes.

Since her death, signatures have skyrocketed on the petition to rename the airport. More than 155,000 people have signed it as of publication time on Friday (August 28), and the number continues to climb. The petition asks Nashville City Council member Russ Bradford, three members of the Tennessee House of Representatives (Bob Freeman, Todd Warner and Fred Atchley) and Gov. Bill Lee to make the change. The petition shows that Bradford responded that he’s “proud to sponsor a resolution asking the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to consider renaming BNA [Nashville International Airport’s code] to Dolly Parton International Airport.” Warner responded, saying that he “will definitely introduce legislation to rename the BNA airport Dolly Parton International Airport!”

“As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton,” the petition states. “She is not only a celebrated artist who encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but also a philanthropist, known for her countless contributions to society. It is only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman. Dolly has made substantial impacts on thousands of lives, especially through her Imagination Library program, which has gifted over 100 million books to children since it began in 1995. Dolly's philanthropic efforts, her outstanding influence in the music industry, and the love she has instilled in our hearts through her actions and songs, truly make her a deserving candidate to have the Nashville International Airport named after her. We request that the airport’s name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world. Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin' from Parton!!”

Since this story’s original publication, Lee announced that he and Nashville International Airport intend to name BNA in Parton’s honor, “creating a lasting tribute to her indelible legacy and the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world.” Lee spoke with the late legend’s team about the proposal this week, according to a press release issued Friday afternoon. The release states that Parton’s team “expressed their appreciation for the extraordinary outpouring of support to honor Dolly and said they are touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.”

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in a statement. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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.”

Separately, Sen. Jessie Seal (R-New Tazwell) announced another way to honor Parton in her home state. Seal announced plans to propose legislation designating September 25 (9/25) “9 to 5 Day” in Tennessee, nodding to one of Parton’s most iconic anthems. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood announced their own plans to honor Parton on September 25. The two singer-songwriters will host “Dolly Day” at Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, their venue in downtown Nashville. The venue will pay tribute to one of Parton’s passions by donating “its entire income for the day to children's literacy,” according to a press release shared by Brooks.

The official announcement from Parton’s team on Tuesday stated that “Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). …At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”