Narromine becomes Dollymine

The three thousand five hundred resident town of Narromine in western New South Wales transformed into Dollymine for its annual October festival celebrating country music icon Dolly Parton.

Parton died in August aged eighty

The festival celebrates Dolly Parton, who died in August at the age of eighty. This year's event drew a record number of visitors to the outback town.

Festival began in twenty twenty-two

The festival began in twenty twenty-two, run by a volunteer committee of die-hard Dolly fans. It faced funding challenges and was cancelled in twenty twenty-four before being rescued.

State grant and council support

The festival was rescued by a one hundred fifty thousand dollar state government grant and a boost from the local council. Organiser Skye Rush said the event is the largest it has ever been.

“It's been great; locals have come out in force, and all the visitors have come out in force as well.”

Celebrating Parton's legacy and values

Skye Rush said the event has always been about celebrating Parton's legacy, even before she died in August. It celebrates her attitude to people, small towns, and not forgetting where she is from.

“It's her attitude to people, attitude to small towns, attitude to not forgetting where she's from.”

Visitors travelled from across Australia

The town is five and a half hours' drive north-west of Sydney, but visitors came from all over the country.

Parton's Imagination Library honoured

The Bloems said it was especially important to celebrate Dolly's legacy this year, including her efforts to promote literacy in children.

“Our kids call her aunty Dolly because she sends something in the post each month.”