The Dolly Parton estate announced a new two‑day festival, Dollyfest, set to honor the late country‑music icon’s legacy. The event will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, and London, England, across two consecutive weekends in 2027.
Originally slated for January 2026 to coincide with what would have been Parton’s 80th birthday, the festival was postponed after the singer’s health declined in August 2025. Organizers said the change allows the celebration to reflect Dolly’s own wishes for a more fitting tribute.
Organizer’s statement
“We had the venue booked and the announcement ready to go,” said Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises. “When Dolly needed to step back in August 2025, we decided Dollyfest would become what Dolly would do – a celebration of her legacy rather than a traditional memorial.”
Nozell added that the estate is not discouraging fans from honoring Dolly in personal ways, but emphasized that a public ceremony would not align with her preferences. “It feels more appropriate to let tributes happen naturally and then see through this festival‑style concept that Dolly herself dreamed up,” he said.
Family tribute
Parton’s great‑niece, Lainey Parton, posted an emotional Instagram tribute, recalling how her grandmother always made her feel valued and encouraged her dreams.
Details on ticket pricing, specific dates, and venue locations will be released later. Fans can sign up for updates at www.dollyparton.com.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.