Dollyfest to Celebrate Dolly Parton’s Legacy

NEW YORK – Dolly Parton’s legacy will be celebrated with a two-day festival, Dollyfest, in Nashville and London over two weekends in 2027. This announcement follows the icon’s passing last week at age 80 due to cancer.

The festival was initially planned for January 2026 to coincide with Parton’s 80th birthday, intending for her to perform and host. Now, it will honor her contributions and impact. According to a press release on Monday, organizer Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, expressed this sentiment: “We had the venue booked and the announcement ready to go. And then, in August 2025, Dolly had to take a step back after her initial health challenges.” Nozell emphasized that the festival reflects “WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!).”

Nozell remarked, “We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose. However, as far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted.” Instead, the idea is to let natural tributes occur and later execute the festival plan, a concept Parton envisioned.

There was a private service for Parton, attended by her immediate family, confirmed by The Associated Press. In line with Parton’s wishes, a public ceremony will not occur.

On social media, Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Parton, shared an emotional tribute, saying her grandmother always made her feel capable and worthy. She reflected, “My granny always had a way of making me feel like I was enough. She never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn’t do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself.”

Further information on tickets and dates for Dollyfest will be provided soon.