Dolly Parton’s estate has revealed plans for a major celebration honoring the beloved superstar’s life and music. The events will reunite fans in two major cities in 2027. Rather than a traditional memorial, the tribute will embrace the joy and spirit associated with Parton. Her estate plans to turn a dream she once had into a global celebration.
The Estate of Dolly Parton confirmed the official global tribute event “DOLLYFEST” will take place in 2027
“DollyFest: The Celebration of a Lifetime” will take place in Nashville and London on successive weekends in 2027. Each event will be two days long, but organizers have not yet announced dates. The estate had originally planned a Nashville DollyFest with Parton’s participation. It will now continue in her memory, alongside a separate celebration in London.
Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime business partner and founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, explained that the singer did not want a traditional public memorial. “As far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted,” he said. Nozell revealed that DollyFest had been one of Parton’s longtime dreams. Organizers had originally planned the Nashville event to take place on her 80th birthday.
“We had the venue booked and we had the announcement ready to go,” Nozell said. Parton withdrew from the plans in August 2025 due to some initial health issues, he said in a press release on Monday. “What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” he added. Nozell also summed up the spirit behind the event with the phrase, “DollyFest is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!).”
The estate will not discourage other tributes that fans and artists may hold in Parton’s honor. However, Nozell said DollyFest will serve as the estate’s official celebration of her life. He feels the festival is a better way to honor the memory of Parton than a public memorial. The events will give fans and artists around the world time to grieve, celebrate and plan for a tribute inspired by Parton herself.
