DOLLYFEST to Honor Dolly Parton’s Legacy With 2027 Celebration in Nashville and London
Parton’s vision for the event will move forward in 2027 across two weekends and two continents.
Photo Courtesy of Dolly Parton
Prior to her passing last week, Dolly Parton remained involved in a number of projects, including DOLLYFEST, a massive celebration of her life and music. According to a new announcement from the Estate of the country music icon, her vision for this unique event will move forward in 2027 across two weekends and two continents.
The event was originally scheduled to take place in Nashville in January of 2026 as a way to commemorate Parton’s 80th birthday. The icon herself was even set to perform and host the multi-artist event. However, those plans were postponed after she shared an update with fans in August of 2025, letting them know she would be taking a step back from upcoming appearances to focus on her health.
At the time, she also rescheduled a run of Las Vegas concerts that were later canceled altogether. She explained she needed to undergo “a few procedures,” which prevented her from having the proper time to prepare for the shows. Parton did assure fans that they shouldn’t worry as she would continue to work on all her projects from home in Nashville.
“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures…I just need a little time to get show ready as they say,” she shared last year. “And don’t worry about me quitting the music business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
It is now evident that despite her health challenges, Dolly Parton truly did continue to work hard behind the scenes up until her death on August 25, 2026. Luckily, fans will still get to experience the magic of DOLLYFEST in an even bigger way as it is set to expand into a global, two-weekend event spanning two continents, with festivities planned across Nashville and London, England in 2027.
“What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” states 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!).”
The official Team Dolly-produced celebration is just one of many events planned to honor the music icon, but organizers say DOLLYFEST will be different in that it was a vision Parton herself hoped to bring to life. It’s expected to bring together fans from around the world to take part in what’s being described as the “party of a lifetime.”
“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.”
Even though Parton is no longer here to see it all through, her team has assured fans that they will continue moving forward with projects that were already in various stages of development before her passing. Those projects include unreleased music, various products, books, and experiences, all of which had Parton’s stamp of approval.
Something the “9 To 5” singer did get to see come to fruition is Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops, which opened at the end of June and marked one of Parton’s last public appearances. Meanwhile, her SongTeller Hotel in Nashville is preparing for its grand opening on September 29.
Other projects connected to Parton’s legacy are also moving forward including Dolly Dolls, set to launch online Sept. 15, followed by Dolly’s Cup of Ambition Coffee on Sept. 29. The coffee line is expected to reach retail stores in spring 2027. Also on Sept. 29, the Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum is set to celebrate its grand opening.
Fans can also look forward to Dolly on the Holly during the 2026 holiday season, while DOLLY: A True Original Musical heads to Broadway, with previews beginning Dec. 7, 2026, ahead of its Jan. 19, 2027 opening night.
The list of projects continues into 2027, including the Kendra Scott x Dolly 9 to 5 Collection arriving in January, Dolly’s Dog Treats expected in early 2027, and Dolly Bedding & Home Decor planned for later in the year.
While the official dates and lineup for DOLLYFEST have yet to be announced, fans can visit www.dollyparton.com to sign up to be notified about details regarding the festival and the many music, business and entertainment projects continuing to honor her legacy.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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