Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Supporters of the legendary country music artist Dolly Parton are rallying together, having collected nearly 50,000 signatures for a petition aimed at renaming Nashville International Airport in her honor. The petition, launched on Change.org, expresses a deep appreciation for Parton as a symbol of pride and cultural significance in Tennessee.
“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. It highlights her music, which radiates messages of love, acceptance, and goodwill, alongside her substantial philanthropic work.
The petition has quickly gained traction since its inception on January 21, with nearly 50,000 people supporting the move. Enthusiasts argue that such an emblematic institution as Nashville International Airport deserves to be named after someone as remarkable as Parton. They believe her impact on the music industry and her charitable contributions merit this recognition.
“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,” the organizers stated, underscoring her long-standing dedication to education and childhood literacy.
The petition continues, stating, “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.” The petition playfully suggests, “We could all be Departin’ from Parton!”
Parton’s commitment to her community is further evidenced by her generous donation of $1 million towards Hurricane Helene relief efforts, following the devastating impacts of the storm that hit the Carolinas after making landfall along the coast of Florida.
Parton, famous not only for her music career but also for Dollywood, which contributed an additional $1 million to relief efforts via The Mountain Ways Foundation, expressed her heartfelt desire to support the communities affected by the hurricane. “I’m happy to be here,” she said at a press conference, acknowledging the struggles faced by many. “So, I really, really wish that we were all together for another reason,” she added, highlighting her lifelong connection to her eastern Tennessee roots.
Hurricane Helene’s toll was tragically significant, leading to the loss of 249 lives across seven states, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
In a related legislative move, there has been a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport after former President Donald Trump, introduced by Tennessee Republican State Rep. Todd Warner. Despite initial momentum, the proposal faced pushback and was ultimately withdrawn before it could be officially discussed.
While the push to honor Parton is gaining popularity, it is important to note that the organizers of her petition have stated that their initiative is not a reaction to the Trump proposal, but rather a pre-existing effort that aligns with growing discussions about the airport’s naming.
As of now, there has been no formal response from Tennessee lawmakers regarding the petition for Dolly Parton or the proposed renaming bill for Trump. Supporters of the airport renaming continue to advocate passionately for a choice that pays tribute to a beloved figure who has profoundly impacted music and society.
Source
www.foxnews.com