Tennessee is preparing what could become one of the biggest permanent tributes yet to Dolly Parton.

Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport have announced their intention to name the airport in honor of the country music legend — a move that could eventually put Dolly’s name at one of Tennessee’s most important gateways to the world.

For generations of fans, it’s difficult to imagine a more fitting place.

Millions of travelers pass through Nashville every year, many arriving in Music City because of the musical history Dolly helped create.

Now, those travelers could someday be welcomed by her name.

Governor Lee said Dolly’s extraordinary life is forever woven into Tennessee’s story, pointing to the journey that took her from her rural East Tennessee childhood to stages around the world.

The governor has already spoken with Dolly’s team about the proposal. Her representatives said they were touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.

But the change isn’t official just yet.

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is expected to discuss both the proposal and its current naming policy at a meeting on September 17.

That policy currently creates an unusual obstacle: airport properties generally aren’t supposed to be named for someone until at least two years after their death.

Officials will therefore have to address that rule before the tribute can move forward.

Still, support for putting Dolly’s name on the airport has grown rapidly.

A public petition calling for Nashville International Airport to be renamed in her honor has attracted more than 150,000 signatures, showing just how strongly many fans feel about creating a permanent tribute.

For Tennessee, Dolly was always more than a country singer.

She carried the story of the Smoky Mountains with her throughout a career that produced classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

But her legacy also extended far beyond music.

Through projects including the Imagination Library, Dolly became known for philanthropy that reached families and children far beyond Tennessee.

That is part of what makes the proposed airport tribute feel so significant.

An airport is where people arrive.

It’s where visitors get their first glimpse of a place and where families return home after being away.

And if the proposal ultimately moves forward, generations of travelers arriving in Nashville could someday be greeted by the name of the woman who helped carry Tennessee’s music around the world.

Dolly Parton’s journey began in the mountains of East Tennessee.

Her name may eventually welcome the world back home.