Photo Credit: Dolly Parton at a recording session in 1989 by Eagledj / CC by 4.0
Dolly Parton’s estate announces a two-day celebration of her musical legacy originally planned by the artist herself for her 80th birthday in January.
On Monday, the estate of Dolly Parton officially announced Dollyfest, a two-day event celebrating her extensive musical legacy, scheduled in 2027 in Nashville and London. The news arrives just a week after her death at age 80.
Dolly’s estate admitted that Dollyfest was originally scheduled for January 2026, around her birthday, and would’ve featured her as both host and performer. Unfortunately, a series of health challenges forced the artist to reschedule several planned events last summer, and Dollyfest was shelved as a result.
“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!)” said organizer Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises.
“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,” Nozell explained. “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.”
You can sign up to receive additional details on Dolly’s website, but ticket information and dates for Dollyfest have not yet been announced. Fans can also submit tributes to Dolly on her website.
Parton’s family gathered for a private service at the Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville on Friday, August 28. There will be no public ceremony, per Dolly’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Initially, her cause of death was not revealed, but her representative later confirmed she had died following a “brief battle with cancer.”
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