The estate of country music icon Dolly Parton has announced Dollyfest, a two-day festival celebrating her life and legacy, with events planned for Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends in 2027.
Parton died of cancer last week at the age of 80. The festival was originally scheduled for January 2026, around her 80th birthday, and was expected to feature Parton as both a performer and host. Following her death, the event will instead become a celebration of her enduring legacy.
According to a statement from the organizers, the festival had already been planned before Parton stepped back from public activities following health challenges in August 2025.
“We had the venue booked and we had the announcement ready to go. And then, in August 2025, Dolly had to take a step back after her initial health challenges,” said Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, the company organizing the festival. He added that the event reflected what Parton herself had envisioned.
“A lot of people always say, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?), and, well, at this moment, Dollyfest is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!),” Nozell said.
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Nozell said fans should feel free to honour Parton in whatever way they choose but noted that a traditional public memorial was not in line with her wishes.
“We are not discouraging people from celebrating Parton in the ways they choose. However, as far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted,” he said.
He added that organizers believed it was more appropriate to allow tributes to take place naturally before proceeding with the festival concept that Parton had helped envision.
A private service for Parton was held on Friday and attended only by members of her immediate family, according to The Associated Press. No public ceremony is planned in accordance with her wishes.
Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Parton, also paid tribute to the music legend in an Instagram post on Sunday following her burial.
She described her grandmother as someone who encouraged her dreams and helped her believe in herself from an early age.
The tribute added to the outpouring of affection from family members, fans and fellow entertainers following Parton’s death.
Further details about Dollyfest, including dates and ticket information, are expected to be announced later.
Fans will be able to sign up for updates through Dolly Parton’s official website as organizers prepare for the 2027 celebrations in Nashville and London.
Associated Press
