Leaders in the Tennessee State House confirmed on Thursday that they have begun discussions of how to honor the legacy of Dolly Parton, the country music legend who died on Tuesday at age 80.
Tennessee Deputy House Speaker Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) told WKRN that his colleagues “began to have those discussions” about how to honor Parton the previous night, questioning, “How do you honor someone that is so worthy and beyond anything of a statue, a bust?”
State Representative John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, told the outlet that he predicted efforts to honor the legendary singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist from Tennessee.
“I think we’ll all get together, work with my colleagues across the aisle, and figure out what’s best,” said Clemmons, according to WKRN. “Of course, we’ll consult with her family and friends and decide what’s the most appropriate way, or what they feel is the most appropriate way to honor her.”
At least one concrete proposal has already been submitted in the Tennessee State Senate, where State Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell) has introduced a bill to designate September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” in honor of Parton.
Parton’s “9 to 5” album spent 10 weeks as the top-performing album on the Billboard Hot 100, and the country music icon also starred in the identically titled film, a Hollywood blockbuster that became the second-highest-grossing film released in 1980.
Metro Nashville Council Member Russ Bradford (District 13) and State Representative Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill) have both confirmed their interest in renaming the BNA Nashville International Airport after Parton.
While Bradford told Axios on Wednesday that a vote on renaming the airport would soon be submitted to the Metro Council, and called the idea a “no brainer” for the city, such an effort would require coordination with the General Assembly, and notice would need to be provided to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In response to an online petition, Warner said he would submit such a bill.
Earlier this year, Governor Bill Lee designated January 19 as “Dolly Parton Day” in honor of her 80th birthday.
President Donald Trump ordered American flags lowered to half-staff for one week after Parton’s death was announced.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Nashville International Airport” by Nashville International Airport.
