Dolly Parton's estate has announced Dollyfest, a multi-continental event to celebrate the star's legacy in Nashville and in London next year.
Dolly Parton's estate has announced Dollyfest, a multi-continental event to celebrate the star's legacy in Nashville and in London next year.
The fest was originally planned as multi-artist event around Parton's 80th birthday set for January 2026 in Nashville with Parton to host, will now be a two-day, two-weekend, multi-continental celebration between Tennessee and England. The Tennessee icon whose career spanned 70 years across music, film, and philanthropy, passed away at 80 last week.
“What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” states Danny Nozell, Founder/CEO of CTK Enterprises in a statement. “Many people behind the scenes know that Dollyfest is a dream of Dolly’s that was intended to take place on her 80th birthday in Nashville. 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!).”
The event organizers say that while many tributes and events are lined up this fall to honor her, Dollyfest is the joyful celebration Parton wanted rather than a traditional memorial.
“We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose,” says Nozell. “However, as far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted. 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. This is something that is authentic to her, something that feels right to me, and something that artists and fans around the world can participate in, while also giving everyone time to grieve, and giving everyone time to plan.”
More information on tickets and exact dates is to come. Fans can visit Parton's website to sign up for details.
