Grab your sparkliest attire and your most towering blonde wig. Dollyfest is scheduled to take place in 2027 sans its namesake, now revamped into a tribute to Dolly Parton’s legacy. The global music festival, initially designed to coincide with Parton’s 80th birthday in January featuring her as the headliner alongside various other musical acts, was delayed last September due to health concerns.
However, Parton’s estate has confirmed that the “star-studded” music festival will proceed as planned in Nashville and London over two consecutive weekends next year. The iconic “Queen of Country” passed away last week at the age of 80, leaving behind a multitude of grieving fans. Renowned for penning hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5,” she brightened the world with her humor, rhinestones, and extensive philanthropy efforts.
The estate announced that Dollyfest will be the ultimate celebration she wished to share with the world. Despite the promise of a festivity befitting Parton’s vivacious charm, details about the festival remain scarce. The specific dates are yet to be disclosed, and the lineup of musical acts remains a mystery.
“Dollyfest organizer Danny Nozell stated in a release announcing the festival that they will uphold what Dolly initiated, ensuring it comes to fruition. This endeavor is genuine to her, resonates with me, and enables artists and fans worldwide to engage, all while allowing time for mourning and planning,” expressed Nozell.
The two cities central to the festival hold significance for Parton: she resided in Nashville before her passing and frequented London throughout her career, including performances at Wembley Arena during her inaugural overseas trip.
Dollywood Pays Tribute to Namesake
Dollyfest is not the sole distinctive commemoration planned to honor the late songstress. Since Parton’s demise, tributes have poured in from various sectors, spanning the music industry to educational institutions and libraries benefiting from her groundbreaking Imagination Library initiative, providing free books to children.
Dollywood, the theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains that Parton acquired in 1986 and transformed into a major attraction, unveiled numerous additions to the park to commemorate their “Dreamer in Chief.”
In 2027, guests can record their memories of Parton and reflections on how she influenced them in dedicated guest kiosks in the Wildwood Grove of the park. If shared publicly, these testimonials may feature in the exhibit, as stated by park president and CEO Eugene Naughton during a press briefing.
Naughton mentioned that other alterations, with Parton’s input before her demise, comprise a waterfall outside the Robert F. Thomas Chapel and a novel attraction and park character inspired by the Imagination Library.
Regarding the memorial wall outside the entrance of Dollywood established last week, Naughton mentioned there is no set timeline for removing the flowers and tributes. “We aim to allow ample time for people to pay their respects in a meaningful manner,” he expressed.
Moreover, Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, Tenn., is launching “In Dolly’s Footsteps,” in collaboration with Dollywood, an extensive project encompassing physical walking-tour markers outside crucial venues or sites in Parton’s narrative, such as The Pines Theatre, where she held her debut performance at just 10 years old.