DollyFest, an international music festival envisioned by the late country music icon Dolly Parton, is set to become a reality, her estate announced.
The two-day festival, planned to take place in both Nashville and London, will occur across two consecutive weekends next year. The festival was originally intended to be held in January 2026, with Parton herself slated to perform and host.
Danny Nozell, Founder/CEO of CTK Enterprises, stated in a press release that the estate is committed to bringing Parton's vision to life. "What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life," Nozell said. "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."
According to a statement on DollyParton.com, the event's original schedule was impacted by Parton's health issues. "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," the website explained. "A lot of people always say, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?), and, well, at this moment, DOLLYFEST is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!)."
The festival will feature multiple artists, and while other tributes are expected, Nozell emphasized that DollyFest is a concept Parton was uniquely involved in creating. "We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose," Nozell added. "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."
More information regarding DollyFest is expected to be announced, with fans encouraged to 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 said.
Dolly Parton, often referred to as the Queen of Country, passed away at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her career spanned six decades and produced numerous hit songs. Beyond her music, Parton was known for her philanthropic work, including her Imagination Library program, which has donated millions of books to children, and a significant donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center that supported COVID-19 vaccine research.
Her sister, Stella Parton, urged fans to honor her memory by demonstrating kindness, lifting others up, and sharing resources. "Dolly loved the world and everyone in it," Stella wrote. "She was right and she proved it everyday."
Parton's death followed months of health concerns that had led her to withdraw from public appearances. Representatives confirmed her passing after hospitalization at Vanderbilt University Medical Center due to autoimmune and kidney problems. Fellow celebrities and public figures, including President Donald Trump, paid tribute to her.