# Dollymine: a town turns pink for Parton > Narromine, Australia, hosts its largest Dolly Parton festival yet, drawing 1,600 fans to celebrate the late country music icon. - Title: Dollymine: a town turns pink for Parton · the Guardian - Summary: Narromine, Australia, hosts its largest Dolly Parton festival yet, drawing 1,600 fans to celebrate the late country music icon. The tiny Australian town of… - Keywords: narromine, dolly parton, festival, australia, drag, country music, rural community, news, politics, Dollymine, town, turns - Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/12/dollywood-down-under-dolly-parton-super-fans-and-drag-queens-turn-a-tiny-australian-town-pink-narromine - Published: 2026-10-11T14:00:29+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: narromine, dolly parton, festival, australia, drag, country music, rural community, news, politics ## A tiny town celebrates Dolly Narromine, 430km north-west of Sydney, hosts the nation's largest and only Dolly Parton festival. For one weekend it becomes Dollymine, where dozens of Dolly impersonators parade before crowds. ## Record attendance after Parton's death This is the fifth year of the tribute festival and the first since Dolly Parton died in August. A record 1,600 tickets have been sold, equivalent to just under half of Narromine's population. ## Born from drought and community spirit The festival was inspired by a desire to revitalise Narromine after a devastating drought from 2017 to 2019. A super fan volunteer suggested a Dolly homage, and the committee agreed it was a no-brainer. ## Committee member on the festival's growth Jen Ballhausen, a local resident and festival committee volunteer since the beginning, says the first year was overwhelming. This year has well and truly exceeded expectations and puts the town on the map. > We knew we'd set a bar, and this year has well and truly exceeded it. ## Main street transforms into pink spectacle Narromine's main street has undergone a metamorphosis to become a micro-Dollywood. Muted shopfronts have transformed into a sea of pink, rhinestones and butterflies, with Parton's face plastered everywhere. ## Performances and heat challenge attendees Line dancers, drag queens and children from the local primary school perform, including a rendition of Baby I'm Burnin'. The temperature climbs to 30C, and those in Dolly-drag wipe makeup-laden sweat from their faces. ## Impersonator reflects on Parton's death Wynonah Dove, performing as a Dolly impersonator, says Parton's sudden death has made the event especially poignant. Dove grew up in Tennessee from a working-class background similar to Parton's, going a year without running water. > I just feel she's here with us, any time there is love, light and inclusiveness being celebrated, she's here in spirit. ## Dove on Parton's impact on her community Dove says that thanks to Parton and her extensive work, the local economy exploded. Everyone felt like Parton was their best friend, even though they did not know her personally. > She just wanted to make the world a better place. ## Drag performer finds acceptance in regional area Nikolaas Kostraby, known as Dolly Delicious, has travelled to the festival from Canberra for the past three years. He was crowned best-dressed Dolly in 2023 and is now on the committee as a judge. > People are so kind out here, so respectful, there's no judging. ## Kostraby on his experience in regional NSW Kostraby says he was nervous the first time, being a man in a wig in a regional area, but it has been the complete opposite. He returns every year to dress up and celebrate. > I was nervous the first time, like, I'm a man in a wig, in a regional area, but it's been the complete opposite. ## Families celebrate Parton's legacy together Lucas and his family travelled from Sydney with custom-made T-shirts for the occasion. Lucas is the director of hair and volume, while his partner Scott is chief vibes officer for their Dolly Department Company. ## Lucas on celebrating after Parton's passing Lucas says the family decided a year ago to come together, but it is even more special now after Parton's passing.They expect many drinks and sing-alongs, drawn to the soul and warmth of her songs. > It's the soul behind her songs we love, just warming and inclusive. ## Colin Marshall crowned best-dressed Dolly Drag queen Timberlina emcees the best-dressed competition. Colin Marshall, part of a tour group of 30 people from Brisbane run by Fun Over 50 Holidays, wins the title wearing a hot pink tasselled dress and… > It's hard work being a woman. ## Key takeaway The tiny Australian town of Narromine held its fifth annual Dolly Parton festival, drawing a record 1,600 attendees to celebrate the singer who died in August.