DOLLYFEST coming to Nashville, London in '27

While the Estate acknowledged the anticipated events, shows, and programs this fall that will honor Parton, there will be no formal traditional memorial for Parton, who died of cancer last week at 80.

What was originally planned as a multi-artist event for January 2026 in Nashville and intended to feature Parton as performer and host, will now morph into a global double-day, double-weekend, double-continent event.

"What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life," said 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!)."

"We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose," said 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."

No artists were named.