When Nashville announced that our beloved airport may be renamed Dolly Parton International, something magical happened. For a moment, the entire city — and honestly, the entire country — lit up with joy. Dolly has always been a symbol of kindness, imagination, and Tennessee pride, and seeing her name on our airport feels like a perfect way to honor her legacy.
But there’s one little detail that hasn’t been talked about much:
The airport will still keep its call sign, BNA.
Most people don’t know what BNA originally stood for (Berry Field Nashville), and honestly, it hasn’t meant anything to the average traveler for decades. So now that we may be entering a new Dolly era… why not give BNA a new meaning that reflects her?
Something memorable. Something meaningful. Something that feels like Dolly.
I want to propose two Dolly‑inspired acronyms that Nashville could embrace — officially or unofficially — as part of the airport’s rebranding. Both honor who she was, what she stood for, and what she gave to the world.
BNA: Be Nice Always
If there’s one thing Dolly Parton taught us, it’s kindness.
Kindness across differences.
Kindness across backgrounds.
Kindness across beliefs.
Kindness across borders.
Dolly lived her life with an open heart, welcoming everyone with humor, grace, and generosity. “Be Nice Always” feels like a perfect tribute to her spirit — and a perfect message to greet millions of travelers arriving in Nashville every year.
Imagine walking through the terminal and seeing those words on a wall, a sign, a mural, or even a piece of art inspired by Dolly’s sparkle. It would instantly set the tone for the city she helped shape.
It’s simple.
It’s universal.
It’s Dolly.
BNA: Books N’ Adventures
Dolly didn’t just change music — she changed childhood.
Her Imagination Library has given over 200 million books to children around the world. She believed in stories, in imagination, in learning, in giving every child a chance to dream bigger than their circumstances.
“Books N’ Adventures” honors that legacy beautifully. Airports are gateways to adventure, and Dolly spent her life giving children the tools to imagine new worlds. This acronym ties Nashville’s airport to one of her most powerful contributions.
It’s whimsical.
It’s hopeful.
It’s Dolly.
Why Not Both?
These two meanings don’t compete — they complement each other.
One honors her kindness.
One honors her imagination.
Both honor her legacy.
Nashville could use one, both, or even invite the public to vote. It would be a fun, meaningful way to celebrate Dolly’s impact while giving BNA a fresh identity that travelers will actually remember.
A Note to Dolly’s Family
Out of deep respect, I want to say this clearly:
I would love for Dolly’s family to have input, approval, or even their own ideas for what BNA could stand for moving forward.
This suggestion comes from a place of admiration and gratitude, and I believe the community would welcome their voice in shaping something that honors her in a way that feels true to who she was.
If any member of her family ever sees this — your insight would mean the world.
A Call to Nashville, the Airport Authority, and the Community
Renaming the airport is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment. Dolly Parton International will be a global landmark — a place where millions of people pass through every year. This is our chance to infuse that space with the values she lived by.
I hope Nashville leaders, airport officials, and the community will consider adopting a Dolly‑inspired meaning for BNA. Whether it’s Be Nice Always, Books N’ Adventures, or another creative idea, giving BNA a new identity would be a beautiful tribute to a woman who shaped Tennessee and touched the world.
Dolly gave us imagination.
She gave us kindness.
She gave us courage.
She gave us home.
Now we have a chance to give something back.
Let’s make BNA stand for something worthy of her.
How You Can Help
If this idea resonates with you, I’d love your help spreading it.
Share your thoughts. Share this post. Share your own Dolly‑inspired acronym ideas.
The more voices behind this, the more likely it is to reach the people who can make it happen — from city leaders to airport officials to Dolly’s family.
Let’s make some joyful noise for a woman who gave us so much.
Tales of TFF, Taylor, Dolly and Happenstance 