Outback Dolly Parton Festival bigger and glitzier than ever after star's death

Outback town Narromine glams up for biggest Dolly Parton Festival ever, following star's death An outback town has traded its 9 to 5 farm tools and workwear for a day of bedazzled country glam and platinum-blonde bouffants inspired by megastar Dolly Parton. The 3,500-resident town of Narromine in western NSW transformed into "Dollymine" for its annual October festival which celebrates the country music icon, who died in August at the age of 80. "So this is Dollymine — not Narromine — for the weekend," attendee Juanita Peardon said. A record number of visitors were urged to leave their frown at the updated town sign for this year's event. Along the streets of "Dollymine", a sea of pink and bejewelled coats of many colours, sweet lovin' friends and wayfaring strangers gathered to say in their own way "I Will Always Love You" to the Queen of Country. Labour of love Festival organiser Skye Rush said she has been blown away by the support this year. "It's been great; locals have come out in force and all the visitors have come out in force as well," she said. "Our shops are being used, our accommodation is being used, [the event] fills the town with people." The festival began in 2022, run by a volunteer committee of die-hard Dolly fans. It faced funding challenges, and was cancelled in 2024, before being rescued by a $150,000 state government grant and a boost from the local council. Ms Rush said the event has always been about celebrating Parton's legacy, even before she died in August. "It's her attitude to people, attitude to small towns, attitude to not forgetting where she's from,"she said. "We're a small town and we support our locals." Narromine Elder Aunty Ruth said Dolly Parton represents a lot to the town. "Why wouldn't you celebrate such a beautiful person?" she said. "To me country is country, and to be on the land; if country music's part of the land, that's where we are going to be." Gathering from far and wide The town is five and a half hours north-west of Sydney, but the remote location has not stopped people from all over the country from coming to celebrate. Best-dressed judge Dolly Delicious, travelled to the event from Canberra and has attended all five festivals. He said Dolly Parton's death in August has not put a dampener on celebrations. "I'm a bit sad but I'm actually really excited to celebrate her ... all her music, all her looks," he said. "It makes me really fuzzy inside — it's incredible." Sam and Amber Bloem got married last week and sang Parton's 1982 duet Islands in the Stream at their reception instead of a first dance. "We love Dolly so we had to stop in," Amber said. "[There's] lots of pink and sparkles ... fantastic music; it' s just lovely." The Bourke locals said it was especially important to celebrate Dolly's legacy this year, including her efforts to promote literacy in children. "Our kids were part of her Imagination Library, so they've been getting books sent from her every month since they've been born," Amber said. "Our kids call her aunty Dolly because she sends something in the post each month,"Sam said. For Johnny Gilmore, supporting regional towns like Narromine has also been a motivator. "We always like to support country towns and we love the music, so we always come out and try to support the town and have some fun," he said. "I love her music; everything from the 70s and 80s is always wonderful."