Dolly Parton estate announces 2027 DollyFests in Nashville and London following her death
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: The Dolly Parton estate has announced the first major public programs honoring the late superstar’s life and music, with 'DollyFest: The Celebration of a Lifetime' set to take place in Nashville and London on successive weekends in 2027.
This comes as producers also confirmed that ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ will proceed with its Broadway debut as planned, honoring her wishes and bringing her life story and music to the New York stage.
Dolly Parton estate announces 2027 DollyFest celebrations
Dates have not yet been announced for the two-day festivals. The estate said a DollyFest had already been planned for Nashville in January 2027, with Parton’s participation, and will now continue in her memory alongside a separate London event.
An announcement described the event as a transformation of what was originally planned as a multi-artist event for January 2026 in Nashville into “a global double-day, double-weekend, double-continent party of a lifetime.”
Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime business partner and founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, explained that the original plan was to hold the event on her birthday, January 19. “What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” he said.
He continued, “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.”
Nozell also referenced the phrase “WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?)” before adding, “at this moment, DollyFest is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!).”
He also said the estate would not discourage the many Parton tributes and memorials expected this fall, but believes the festival represents the official commemoration of her life.
“We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose,” he stated and 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.”
Dolly Parton Broadway musical to open as planned
The announcement comes as ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ will open on Broadway “as was Dolly’s wish.”
Producers confirmed to Variety that previews will begin December 7 at the St James Theatre in New York City, with the opening set for January 19, 2027, which would have been her 81st birthday.
The musical tells the story of Parton’s life. It premiered in Nashville in summer 2025 as ‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ and will move to New York with much of the creative team intact.
Parton provided the music, including new songs alongside familiar selections from her catalog.
“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it,” she previously said when the Broadway news was announced.
Parton also expressed excitement about the production, saying, “We have a wonderful director, sets, costumes, choreography, music and all the things you need to make a wonderful, entertaining show. Can’t wait to see you there!”
Her representatives have revealed that the singer died after a “brief battle” with cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.
Their statement described her as someone who spent her life and career “bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched.”
The 80-year-old singer had experienced dizziness and dehydration the week before she was unable to appear at Dollywood. Instead, she appeared in a video to introduce the park’s new Nightflight Expedition roller coaster.
