What This Story Is About
Music City will be one of two cities in the world to host DOLLYFEST in 2027 to honor Dolly Parton, who died last week in Nashville.
Why It Matters
As tributes pour in for Dolly Parton, her estate says it is planning the “part of a lifetime” to celebrate her life and career.
What Happens Next
Details on the specific dates for DOLLYFEST, as well as the lineup of performers, have yet to be released. To sign up to get more information as it’s released, click here.
For Context
Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer.
Catch Up
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Dolly Parton’s estate announced Monday that it is planning a music festival to honor the late Queen of Country Music.
Nashville has been selected as one of two cities in the world to host DOLLYFEST next year. The other location will be London, England, and the festivals will take place across “two consecutive weekends” in 2027.
“What was originally planned as a multi-artist event for January 2026 in Nashville and intended to feature Parton as performer and host, will now morph into a global double-day, double-weekend, double-continent party of a lifetime,” a press release on the event said.
Nashville has been selected as one of two cities in the world to host DOLLYFEST next year.(DollyFest)
Details on the specific dates for DOLLYFEST, as well as the lineup of performers, have yet to be released. To sign up to get more information as it’s released, click here.
“What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” said Danny Nozell, Founder/CEO of CTK Enterprises. “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!).”
Planners say the event was Parton’s dream.
“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.”
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