Dolly Parton will not have a traditional public memorial, honoring the wishes she made clear before her death. Instead, the late country music legend’s estate is moving forward with a celebration she had already begun planning, transforming it into two major “DollyFest” events scheduled for Nashville and London in 2027.
Officially called DollyFest: The Celebration of a Lifetime, the two-day festivals will be held on consecutive weekends. However, the dates, venues, and lineup of performers have yet to be announced.
According to Variety, the Nashville event was already being planned before Parton’s death at the age of 80. Her estate has since expanded the concept into a celebration spanning two continents, honoring her music, remarkable career, and lasting cultural influence.
The original DollyFest was designed as a multi-artist celebration, with Parton expected to serve as both host and performer. The event was initially planned for Nashville around her 80th birthday on January 19, but the singer stepped away from the project following health issues in August 2025.
Rather than let the idea disappear, Parton’s estate now plans to bring her vision to life in her memory, while also giving fans in London the opportunity to celebrate her legacy.
“What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime business partner and the founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, said. “We had the venue booked, and we had the announcement ready to go.”
Nozell also noted that people often use the phrase “WWDD,” meaning “What Would Dolly Do?” But for the team now working to fulfill her plans, the saying has taken on a slightly different meaning: “At this moment, DollyFest is WDWD—What Dolly Would Do!”
The upcoming festivals could be the closest fans get to an official public memorial for Parton. According to Nozell, her estate has no intention of controlling the tributes expected to take place in Nashville and elsewhere, but Parton made it clear that she did not want a traditional, somber ceremony to mark her life.
“As far as a traditional memorial goes, that is not something Dolly wanted,” he said. “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.”
The announcement comes as Tennessee considers another lasting tribute to one of its most celebrated icons. Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport recently revealed plans to explore renaming BNA after Dolly Parton, with the airport authority expected to discuss the proposal during its September 17 meeting.
Lee described Parton’s life as being “forever woven into the fabric” of Tennessee and said having the airport bear her name would allow her legacy to welcome visitors from around the world. The honor would also recognize her influence beyond timeless hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Through the Dollywood Foundation and her Imagination Library, Parton helped distribute nearly 200 million free books to children around the world. The decision to bring DollyFest to both Nashville and London reflects the same global impact she built throughout her lifetime.
“This is something that is authentic to her,” Nozell said, “something that artists and fans around the world can participate in.”
