In the days since Dolly Parton’s death last week, the internet has been inundated with tributes from every corner of the globe as fans mourn the loss of the icon. Countless artists have switched gears in the past several days to play Parton songs during their concerts, including Harry Styles, Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile and Pitbull.
But on Monday, Parton’s estate announced that the country music legend wants to be remembered with a celebration: specifically, a “global double-day, double-weekend, double-continent party of a lifetime” known as “DollyFest,” which will take place in Nashville and London next year.
In a news release, Parton’s manager said that DollyFest was originally to take place with Parton as the host and performer in January 2026. After her health challenges the previous year, plans changed, but her estate wants to finish what she started.
“We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose,” said Danny Nozell, chief executive of CTK Enterprises. “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.”
A private funeral was held for Parton’s family, according to her social media accounts; one of her nieces, Lainey Parton, confirmed on Friday in an emotional Instagram post that “my granny was laid to rest yesterday.”
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