Dolly Parton didn't want a "traditional" memorial; She'll get a "party of a lifetime" instead.

What he's saying: "We are not discouraging people from celebrating Dolly in the ways they choose," Parton's manager, Danny Nozell, said in a statement. "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.

• "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."

State of play: Parton's estate has not yet announced the dates for the "star-studded" festival.

Between the lines: Parton developed the Dollyfest idea and had planned to host it herself on her 80th birthday in January.

• A Nashville venue was booked, and her team had already drafted an announcement. But the event was delayed when Parton took a step back from public appearances due to health issues that began in August 2025.
• Now her team is reviving the concept in her honor.

Parton was "laid to rest" last week in a private service, according to her niece.