Dolly Parton's estate is bringing the late country music icon's dream of an international music festival to life, honoring her legacy posthumously. DollyFest, planned as a celebration of Parton's life and work, is scheduled to take place over two consecutive weekends in Nashville and London next year.
Danny Nozell, Founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, stated in a press release that "What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life." He added that DollyFest was a "dream of Dolly’s that was intended to take place on her 80th birthday in Nashville." The festival was initially scheduled for January 2026, with Parton expected to perform and host.
Parton's health issues, which began in August 2025, led to the postponement of the event. Her estate has decided to proceed with the festival, stating, "A lot of people always say, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?), and, well, at this moment, DOLLYFEST is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!)."
DollyFest will feature a lineup of multiple artists. Nozell emphasized that this festival concept was specifically conceived by Parton, distinguishing it from other potential tributes. "We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose," Nozell said. "However, as far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted."
More details about DollyFest are expected to be announced, and fans can sign up for notifications. "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," Nozell added.
Parton, who died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, left a significant legacy beyond her music. She was instrumental in donating millions of books to children through her Imagination Library and contributed $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 to fund research that aided in the development of a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Her death on Tuesday followed months of health concerns that had led her to withdraw from public appearances. Parton's representatives confirmed her passing in a statement to People, though the specific type of cancer was not disclosed. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, first confirmed her death in an Instagram video. She had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville due to autoimmune and kidney problems.