The estate of Dolly Parton has unveiled plans for a major festival dedicated to the life and enduring legacy of the legendary singer. Titled “DollyFest,” the star-studded, two-day event is scheduled to take place in 2027 across both London and Nashville. While specific dates remain to be finalized, organizers confirmed the celebrations will occur over two consecutive weekends in each city.
This festival is intended to serve as the official public memorial for the country music icon, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. According to her estate, the event aligns with Parton’s own wishes, as she explicitly requested to forgo a traditional memorial service. The singer was laid to rest during a private family funeral held last Friday in Nashville, where she was interred beside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.
The concept for the event originated with Parton herself, who had envisioned a gathering where she would host and perform alongside other artists. An initial version of the festival was planned for January 2026 but was ultimately canceled before a public announcement due to the singer’s health struggles. Danny Nozell, the founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises and the lead organizer for DollyFest, emphasized that the estate is not discouraging fans from holding their own tributes. However, he noted that the festival-style approach is the most authentic way to honor her.
“It feels more appropriate for us to take a beat, let all the tributes that immediately make sense occur naturally, and then, see through this festival-style concept that was truly dreamed up by Dolly,” Nozell explained. He added that the event provides a space for fans and artists globally to participate in a shared experience while allowing time for both grieving and planning. “A lot of people always say, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?), and, well, at this moment, DOLLYFEST is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!),” he remarked.
A native of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, Parton leaves behind a monumental seven-decade career that included the sale of over 100 million records and the composition of thousands of songs. Renowned for hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” she remained deeply committed to her craft. “It’s my way of expressing myself,” she once said of songwriting. “It’s my therapy.”
Since her passing, an outpouring of tributes from politicians, fellow celebrities, and fans has dominated social media. The estate remains focused on the upcoming celebration, promising that “DOLLYFEST will be the party of a lifetime she wanted to share with the world.” The report also notes that in a seven-decade career, Parton won 10 Grammy awards, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and wrote thousands of songs.
Comments