DollyFest: A Festival Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Nashville and London
The estate of Dolly Parton announced in a release that a two‑day festival—dubbed DollyFest—will take place over two consecutive weekends in 2027, first in Nashville and then in London.
Parton’s own vision for a celebratory event shaped the concept. She imagined a gathering where friends, fans and fellow musicians could share her music and message in an atmosphere of joy rather than sorrow. The memorial, which the family said she didn’t want, will instead be expressed through DollyFest, a festival‑style tribute that reflects her long‑standing desire to celebrate life.
The estate confirmed that specific dates will be announced in due course, but stressed that the festival will bring together performers and fans from around the world. Organiser Danny Nozell of CTK Enterprises noted that the idea comes from Parton’s longing to spread her gift of music and generosity to the world.
Parton’s death at 80 on 25 August after a brief battle with cancer drew a flood of tributes from celebrities, politicians and ordinary fans alike. The moment has inspired the phrase What Would Dolly Do? which, according to Nozell, now evolves into DollyFest as a living tribute.
All loved her as a country‑music star and the founder of many philanthropic projects. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned 10 Grammy awards. The two‑day festival will also showcase the breadth of her songwriting, which she declared “my therapy.”
The family has released information about her final resting place in Nashville’s Woodlawn Memorial Park. While DollyFest will not replace a formal memorial, it will offer a space for global communities to celebrate her lasting impact.
Fans can expect to hear both original hits and new collaborations, as well as a range of events designed to honour the memory of a beloved icon. DollyFest stands as a tribute that is authentic to Parton’s vision and delivers a moment for fans and artists alike to connect with her legacy.
