The estate of Dolly Parton has announced a two-day festival, Dollyfest, to honor the late singer’s legacy in 2027. The events will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, and London over two consecutive weekends. The announcement came following Parton's death last month at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer.
Originally, Dollyfest was scheduled for January 2026 to coincide with Parton’s 80th birthday. At that time, she was expected to perform and host the festival. However, the plans were postponed in August 2025 when Parton’s health declined, leading organizers to cancel the event. Following her passing, the estate decided to proceed with the festival as a celebration of her life and career rather than a traditional memorial.
Organizers emphasized that the festival was closely aligned with Parton’s wishes. According to the event’s coordinator, Danny Nozell, a conventional memorial service was not something Parton desired. Instead, the festival concept was originally envisioned by Parton herself, intended as a joyful and vibrant tribute that reflects her spirit.
A private service was held for Parton last Friday, according to the estate, and there will be no public memorial ceremony. The festival aims to provide fans and admirers an opportunity to celebrate Parton’s enduring contributions to music and culture on their own terms.
While specific details regarding performers and programming are yet to be released, Dollyfest is expected to feature a diverse lineup reflective of Parton’s broad influence across genres and generations. The events in both Nashville and London are designed to honor her impact globally and bring together communities who share an appreciation for her work.
The estate encourages fans to continue commemorating Parton in their own personal ways while looking forward to the festival as a formal tribute in 2027.