Dolly Parton’s Niece Reacts to Nashville Airport Tribute...

Danielle Parton, an airline pilot and Dolly Parton’s niece, said she believes her aunt would feel honored to know Nashville is considering naming its airport after her.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For Danielle Parton, the possibility of seeing Dolly Parton’s name added to Nashville International Airport carries special significance. She views the proposal both as a member of the Parton family and as a pilot who regularly flies through the Tennessee airport.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously to begin the process of renaming the airport in honor of the country music icon. Officials have not yet selected a final name.

Danielle told 10News that conversations about renaming the airport began before Dolly’s death. As an airline pilot, she said she travels through Nashville International Airport several times a month.

Dolly Parton’s Niece Reacts to Nashville Airport Tribute Honoring Her Aunt

“I remember talking to her one time, and I’ve heard her say in interviews that when they started talking about it, she didn’t take it seriously. She didn’t think it was a real thing,” Danielle said.

Now, Danielle said, she takes pleasure in seeing the once-unlikely proposal move closer to becoming reality.

“I think she’d be happy and honored about it,” she said.

Still, the airport proposal comes as Danielle and the rest of the family continue to mourn Dolly.

“She’s a big star to everybody else, but she was also just my aunt,” she said. “I’ve caught myself recently like wanting to tell her something funny, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I gotta call her,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh — can’t do that.’”

Dolly’s music and frequent appearances on television can sometimes make the loss feel less immediate, Danielle said. As Nashville’s airport naming process moves ahead, she also finds herself remembering advice her aunt often shared.

“Sometimes we just gotta get our rear end gear and get on with it,” Danielle said. “That’s exactly what she would want all of us to do — and the same with the airport. Let’s go. Let’s fly on. Let’s get to the next thing.”

The airport authority said the unanimous vote formally launches the naming process. Additional details are expected as officials continue developing the plans.