Dolly Parton’s Private Service and Dollyfest Announcement

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Topic:Music

A private service was held for Dolly Parton on Friday. (Reuters: Cathal McNaughton)

In short:

Dolly Parton has been laid to rest in a private ceremony after she died from cancer last week.

Her estate has also announced Dollyfest, a two‑day festival to be held in Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends in 2027.

What's next?

Ticket information and dates for Dollyfest are forthcoming.

Fans will be able to celebrate Dolly Parton's legacy with the announcement of a two‑day festival in her honour.

The news comes after Parton was laid to rest at a private funeral on Friday after the 80‑year‑old died of cancer last week.

Her great‑niece, Lainey Parton, shared an emotional post on Instagram paying tribute to the country music legend following the service.

Dolly Parton was preceded by her husband Carl Dean, who died aged 82. (Instagram: Dolly Parton)

"From the time I was little, my granny always had a way of making me feel like I was enough. She never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn't do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself," Lainey Parton wrote.

"Most people can think of at least one bad memory with everyone in their family. I honestly can't think of one with her.

"Because she couldn't have kids of her own, she always made us feel like we were hers. She loved us that way, and I'll forever be grateful for that."

She said: "It still doesn't feel real that she's gone."

"I'm going to miss her voice, her laugh, her hugs, and just knowing she was there.

"I'm even going to miss those 4 AM calls, and I'd give anything to see her name pop up on my phone again."

Lainey thanked everyone who had sent messages and flowers.

Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026. (Supplied: RCA Records/Public Domain)

The Woodlawn‑Roesch‑Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park shared an obituary describing Parton as "a rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see".

"Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family," the obituary read.

"Dolly Parton's legacy is one of love, kindness, and resilience. With a seven‑decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

"Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact."

Dollyfest announced

Dolly Parton's estate announced a two‑day festival. (Reuters: Jeff Mitchell)

Following the funeral, Parton's estate announced Dollyfest, a two‑day festival to be held in Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends in 2027.

According to a press release, the festival was originally scheduled to take place in January 2026 — around her 80th birthday — and was going to feature Parton as a performer and host.

Now, it will serve as a celebration of her legacy.

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"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!)," organiser Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, said.

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

"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."

Ticket information and dates for Dollyfest are forthcoming.

Dolly Parton was due to perform at Dollyfest earlier this year. (Reuters: Mike Blake)

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