Representative Reneau,

We respectfully request you reconsider your co-sponsorship and support of HB0217 that would rename BNA (Berry Field Nashville) Nashville International Airport to “Trump International Airport.” 

Please consider keeping BNA in the name as it’s named after Colonel Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who helped found the Nashville airport in 1937. He was also a University of Tennessee trustee and Tennessee’s supervisor and administrator for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). 

If you truly feel that renaming our airport is in the best interest of District 27, while using the precious resources of valuable time and taxpayer money, we request you consider naming the airport in honor of Dolly Parton because of the legendary impact she has had on Nashville, Eastern Tennessee, and the world. While the current proposal to rename the airport after President Donald Trump is one option, we believe that Dolly Parton’s name would be a better fit to represent Nashville and the state of Tennessee on the national and international stage. 

Dolly Parton is the true embodiment of a great Tennessean. She is an iconic figure whose music, philanthropy, and personal character have brought immeasurable positive attention to Tennessee. Some reasons why we believe renaming the airport to honor Dolly Parton are as follows:

Cultural Significance: Dolly Parton is the most internationally recognized cultural ambassador of Tennessee. As a musical icon, she has helped shape the modern country music industry and continues to inspire millions with her songs, stories, and unwavering work ethic. Her contributions to the arts make her a natural symbol for the airport, representing Nashville as Music City to the world. She is the epitome of the American Dream, from her roots in a 1-bedroom cabin in the mountains of East Tennessee to this year's world tour, and she still proudly calls TN home. On April 21, 2021, Governor Bill Lee signed House Joint Resolution 358 recognizing Dolly as a cultural icon and her many contributions to childhood literacy. She also worked with Lee to celebrate our state’s 225 years of existence in this video.

Philanthropy & Community Impact: Dolly Parton is known for her extensive philanthropic efforts, including her Imagination Library program, which has provided 2 million free books to children worldwide. Her charity work, especially in the areas of literacy, education, disaster relief, and healthcare, has made a lasting difference in the lives of many individuals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Last year alone, Dolly donated $4.5 million to the Nashville library. 

Positive Image & Unity: Dolly Parton is beloved across political and cultural lines. She has long been a unifying figure, known for her kind-hearted nature, optimism, and focus on bringing people together. Naming the airport after Dolly would thereby honor Tennesseans by celebrating our community-oriented ethos.

A Global Brand: As the most recognizable American Southerner in the world, Dolly Parton’s name is already synonymous with hard work, talent, graciousness, and hospitality. By renaming the international airport in her honor, we would further cement Tennessee as a state that honors its rich history of the American Dream, grit, hard work, independence, and Southern charm, while embracing its future.

Economic and Tourism Benefits: Dolly Parton’s name is a draw for tourists and fans alike. The renaming of the airport could serve as a powerful magnet for tourism, highlighting Nashville’s and our state’s status as the "Home of Country Music" and further enhancing its reputation as a destination for culture, entertainment, and southern hospitality. A 2021 Tennessee Economic Impact Case Study says: 

“Dollywood – More Than a Theme Park Hailed as Tennessee’s most visited tourist attraction, the Dollywood amusement park provides entertainment and amenities for more than two million visitors every year. Dollywood features more than 50 rides and attractions, provides numerous vacation amenities, and hosts multiple annual festivals. During peak season, jet traffic increases by approximately 25 percent at nearby McGhee Tyson Airport when compared to non-peak season times. Similarly, jet traffic increases approximately 90 percent at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) during the peak tourism season. The annual direct economic impact of Dollywood is $1.8 billion, and the park is credited with creating more than 23,000 jobs for the region. The amusement park itself is Sevier County’s largest employer, employing more than 4,000 people.”

We understand that renaming such a major public institution is not a decision to be made lightly. However, we believe that honoring Dolly Parton, one of the greatest cultural treasures of Tennessee, would be a lasting and meaningful legacy. We urge you as our Representative to reconsider HB0217 and honor native-daughter Dolly Parton’s remarkable contributions to Nashville, our great state of Tennessee, and the world.

Let us make Dolly Parton’s name as legendary as the state she’s helped shape.

Respectfully,

Your Constituents