Dolly Parton’s estate has announced Dollyfest, a two-day festival to honor the late country icon’s legacy, set to take place in Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends in 2027. The event will serve as a celebration of Parton’s life and career, following her death at age 80 on August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.
The festival was originally planned as a multi-artist event in January 2026, coinciding with Parton’s 80th birthday, where she was intended to perform and host. However, her estate confirmed that health challenges in August 2025 led to the postponement of the original plans. Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises and Parton’s longtime manager, stated in a press release that the festival will now proceed as a global celebration of her legacy.
Parton’s private funeral was held on August 29, 2026, with immediate family in attendance. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, next to her late husband, Carl Dean. Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Parton, shared a tribute on Instagram, describing her as a figure who made others feel valued and supported. The estate emphasized that Parton did not wish for a traditional public memorial, instead favoring a festival-style tribute aligned with her vision.
Key Details of Dollyfest
The Dollyfest announcement confirmed the following details:
- Location and Dates: The festival will take place in Nashville and London, spanning two consecutive weekends in 2027. Specific dates and venues have not yet been announced.
- Original Plans: The event was initially scheduled for January 2026 in Nashville, with Parton slated to perform and host. Her health challenges in August 2025 led to the postponement.
- Organizer’s Statement: Danny Nozell stated that the festival reflects Parton’s wishes, saying, “What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life.” He added that the event is “WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!)” and aligns with her desire to avoid a traditional memorial.
- Fan Participation: The estate encourages fans to celebrate Parton in their own ways but emphasizes that Dollyfest is an authentic tribute to her legacy.
Parton’s Legacy and Impact
Dolly Parton, a country music icon, philanthropist, and businesswoman, leaves behind a legacy spanning seven decades. She achieved 10 Grammy Awards, sold over 100 million records worldwide, and was known for hits such as Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You. Beyond music, Parton was recognized for her philanthropic efforts, including her Imagination Library, which has donated millions of books to children globally.
Her estate described her as “a rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see.” Fans and colleagues have paid tribute to her influence, with many noting her generosity, humor, and unwavering support for others. Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Parton, reflected on her impact, stating, “She never made my dreams feel too big... She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself.”
Next Steps for Dollyfest
The estate has indicated that ticket information and specific dates for Dollyfest will be announced in the coming months. Fans can sign up for updates at www.dollyparton.com. The event is expected to feature multiple artists, though no lineup has been confirmed yet.
Danny Nozell emphasized that the festival is designed to give fans and artists time to grieve while honoring Parton’s legacy in a manner she envisioned. “This is something that is authentic to her, something that feels right to me, and something that artists and fans around the world can participate in,” he said.