The Dolly Parton Estate has announced two DollyFest celebrations in honor of the late country music icon set for 2027 in Nashville, TN and London, England.
The Nashville celebration was initially planned as a multi-artist event on Parton’s 80th birthday in January 2026 in which she was to perform and host, but was postponed as she faced health issues ahead of her death last week. It has now expanded into a two-day, two-weekend event in both Nashville and London.
“What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” states Danny Nozell, Founder/CEO of CTK Enterprises. “Many people behind the scenes know that DollyFest is a dream of Dolly’s that was intended to take place on her 80th birthday in Nashville. 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. A lot of people always say, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?), and, well, at this moment, DollyFest is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!).”
The Estate acknowledges the anticipated events, shows, and programs this fall that will honor Parton, but “DollyFest will be the party of a lifetime she wanted to share with the world.”
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“We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose,” said Nozell. “However, as far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted. So, instead, 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. 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, while also giving everyone time to grieve, and giving everyone time to plan.”
The legendary singer-songwriter died Tuesday, August 25 after a brief battle with cancer.
