Get your rhinestones ready: Dollyfest 2027 set to honour Dolly Parton's legacy

Grab your glitteriest outfit and your tallest blonde wig. Dollyfest is set to go ahead in 2027 without its titular star, with the festival now transformed into a celebration of Dolly Parton's life.

The cross-continental music festival, originally planned to coincide with Parton's 80th birthday in January and feature her as main performer alongside a lineup of other musical acts, was postponed last September amid health issues.

But Parton's estate has announced that the "star-studded" music festival will still be coming to fans in Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends next year.

The "Queen of Country" died earlier this month at the age of 80, leaving behind scores of grieving fans. The singer was known for writing hits such as, Jolene , I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5 — and for bringing a little more brightness into the world through her wit, rhinestones and years of philanthropy.

"Dollyfest will be the party of a lifetime she wanted to share with the world," the estate said.

Apart from the promise of a celebration worthy of Parton's effervescent charm, not much is known. The specific dates haven't been announced yet, and the musical acts are still a mystery.

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"What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life," Dollyfest organizer Danny Nozell said in a statement announcing the festival.

"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."

The two cities at the centre of the festival are important to Parton: she lived in Nashville prior to her death, and visited London many times over her career, performing at Wembley Arena during her first ever trip abroad.

Alexandra Mae Jones is a senior writer for CBC News based in Toronto. She has written on a variety of topics, from health to pop culture to breaking news, and previously reported for CTV News and the Toronto Star. She joined CBC in 2024. You can reach her at [email protected]