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🌱 Patch AM: Why Knoxville’s airport can’t easily take Dolly Parton’s name

Spotted on the Knoxville calendar: Black Jacket Symphony - Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet

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Good morning Knoxville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Knoxville's airport can't easily take Dolly Parton's name
  • How a $288M Neyland district could reshape game days in Knoxville
  • How Dolly fans' flowers are brightening Knoxville patients' toughest days

Also on today's calendar: Steve Gonsalves from Ghost Hunters Live: A Life With Ghosts and 2 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Jill R.!

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 87 and low of 67 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and humid, temps: high: 90, low: 69.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 90 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Amid Nashville push, could Knoxville airport be renamed for Dolly Parton? (knoxnews.com) — As petitions grow to rename Nashville's airport for Dolly Parton, Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport faces big hurdles to any similar change because of a historic agreement tying its name to Tyson Park. The article explains the legal, financial, and branding complications for Knoxville, plus why a smaller Downtown Island Airport renaming would reach far fewer travelers.
   

2. HCM Selected as Architect for University of Tennessee Knoxville Mixed-Use Entertainment District (buildingenclosureonline.com) — A $288 million mixed-use entertainment district is coming right next to Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, bringing a condo-hotel, restaurants, shops, plazas, and live music venues. Designed by national firm HCM, the Neyland Entertainment District will also improve riverfront connections and greenway access, with openings planned in 2028 and 2029.
   

3. Flowers honoring Dolly Parton now being gifted to local patients (wbir.com) — A Knoxville nonprofit, Random Acts of Flowers, is turning bouquets left at Dolly Parton's Sevierville statue into fresh arrangements for local assisted living and hospice patients. Volunteers in Knoxville are sorting, trimming, and delivering more than 200 repurposed bouquets, each tagged to show they came from Parton's fans, extending her spirit of generosity to neighbors facing difficult days.
   

4. Henley Street Bridge lights up in memory of Dolly Parton in photos (knoxnews.com) — Downtown Knoxville's Henley Street Bridge has been glowing in rainbow colors to honor Dolly Parton following her death at age 90. A series of photos captures the bridge lit up over the Tennessee River on the night of August 27, offering locals a visual way to remember the beloved East Tennessee icon.
   

5. How Dolly Parton became Tennessee's greatest tourism asset (traveltomorrow.com) — Knoxville-area readers will recognize how Dollywood, just down the road in Pigeon Forge, has grown into a massive tourism engine, spawning thousands of regional jobs and billions in economic impact. The piece reflects on Dolly Parton's deep love for Tennessee, her park's national acclaim, and how her attractions help draw families to the Smokies even after her passing.
   

📣 Knoxville Shout Outs!

  • ❤️ Many Thanks to Josh @ AgriFeed Pet Supply on Middlebrook Pike. You walked my unruly terrier to & from your dog park, and treated him like he was your own. How blessed AgriFeed is to employ you! —Jill R. Like

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey friendly Neighbors just reposting something that someone said that is so true.
    Let's Go Let's honor Dolly Parton's memory by carrying on her legacy putting more love, kindness, compassion into every one's hearts. LOVE BIG, BE… (Nextdoor Rocky Hill)
  • Update: he's been reunited with his rightful owner!
    I have found this super sweet lost/stray senior kitty in my neighborhood off of old Clinton pike! He (what I believe to be a he) is very friendly… (Nextdoor Belle Meade)
  • Food City posted a job opening for Front End Manager in Knoxville. Apply here.
  • Manpower posted a job opening for Materials Clerk in Knoxville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Knoxville here.

Ok Knoxville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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