Dolly Parton headlining Congress of Country Music fundraiser

Dolly Parton will be in Philadelphia for a show on Aug. 26 as the featured performer in a fund-raiser for Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music and her Imagination Library program which provides free books to children across the country. 

This event at the Ellis is the start of a busy lineup of artists, performance and events coming to Philadelphia during the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024, including local performances, officials said.

Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart, a Neshoba County native, announced the schedule from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last Wednesday night.

Since then, the phones have not stopped ringing at the Ellis here, nor has talk — and rumors about pricing — on social media, officials said.

“You can say the response has been a whirlwind,” said Congress of Country Music Executive Director Buck Alman.

Alman said ticket prices have not been set for Dolly’s show and they generally will be available 30 to 60 days out. 

The Dolly Parton show will not be part of the Congress of Country Music’s season ticket lineup. When the Dolly Parton tickets go on sale, tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, he said.

Alman acknowledged the ticket prices will be more expensive for the Dolly Parton show but the final cost per ticket has not been decided.

“Ticket prices have not been set, finalized or authorized at this time,” Alman said. “Anyone who has put prices out there (on social media) is guessing or starting rumors but it is not true.

“What people have to understand is this is not a concert that Dolly is doing for free. We have to pay her and for expenses. It is costing us a lot of money to produce this event.  But the only place you are going to see those prices first is our website at congressofcountrymusic.org and our Facebook page.”

 Alman pointed out the Congress of Country Music here has scheduled programs for children and community events which will be free to the public.

“But it is not free to us,” Alman said. “We have to pay for those and that is what the fundraisers are for. The ticket prices will be what they are and this is why. It is a benefit and a fundraiser.”

In addition to Dolly Parton’s performance, Wynonna will be appearing Jan. 10. 

Dorothy Moore will be appearing Sept. 1. Also appearing will be Herman’s Hermits on Oct. 28, the Steve Miller Band on Dec. 9, and The Mavericks Feb. 22. On April 6, there will be Merle Haggard’s 87th birthday celebration, an evening of songs and stories featuring Country Music legend Connie Smith, accompanied by Eddie Lang with very special guests Marty Stuart and the Superlatives.

For a complete lineup and ticket information, go to the congressofcountrymusic.org.

“We are very excited to be able to host such an incredible and diverse line-up of superstar talent,” said Alman. “We have worked very hard to put together something spectacular to present to the people of Philadelphia, along with our friends and neighbors throughout the state of Mississippi. We have something truly special here in Philadelphia and can’t wait to share it with everyone.

“We may have a few more surprises out there as well. We always have friends stopping by. You never know who may show up. The best way to keep up with everything we have going on is to follow us on social media. Anything that is happening will be the e first,” Alman said.