Dolly Parton, a global icon in country music and a 10-time Grammy Award winner, is not just a singular sensation but also part of a large and talented family. Raised in the Appalachian region of Tennessee by her parents, Robert and Avie Lee Parton, Dolly grew up with eleven siblings, creating a vibrant and close-knit family deeply rooted in music and tradition, as noted by the Country Music Hall of Fame.
From her early days in a one-room cabin to international stardom, Dolly’s family has been a constant source of support and inspiration. While Dolly is the most famous, many of her siblings have also carved their own paths in music and other fields. This article delves into the lives of the Dolly Parton Family, exploring the stories of her siblings, both living and deceased, and their collective impact on the world of entertainment and beyond.
Dolly Parton has seven living brothers and sisters: Willadeene, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel. Sadly, four of her brothers have passed away: Larry, who died in infancy in 1955; Floyd, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 61; Randy, who died in 2021 at 67; and most recently, David, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 82. Each sibling has contributed to the rich tapestry of the Parton family story.
In 2024, Dolly Parton engaged in the Smoky Mountain DNA project, a fascinating exploration of her family history. This project highlights the Parton family’s deep roots in Tennessee and their significant influence on the music industry. Let’s take a closer look at each of Dolly Parton’s eleven siblings and discover their unique stories.
Willadeene Parton
Willadeene Parton at an event.
Willadeene Parton, born on March 24, 1940, is Dolly Parton’s eldest sister at 84 years old. According to Dolly Parton’s official website, Willadeene has always been a nurturing figure, often acting as a “second mother” to her younger siblings. Her caring nature and strong presence have been a cornerstone of the Parton family dynamics.
While Dolly pursued music stardom, Willadeene found her passion in writing. She is an accomplished author, having penned “Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family” in 1996. This memoir offers intimate glimpses into their family life and Appalachian upbringing. A year later, she further celebrated her family’s heritage with “All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground,” a cookbook filled with cherished Parton family recipes, preserving their culinary traditions.
David Parton
Dolly Parton and her brother David Parton posing for a photo.
David Parton, Dolly’s older brother and the eldest son of Robert and Avie Lee, led a life largely outside the spotlight. He worked as a bridge builder superintendent, contributing to infrastructure projects in his community. David passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 82 at his home in White Pine, Tennessee, as announced by his sister Stella Parton. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Stella Parton shared the news of David’s passing on Threads, expressing her love and remembrance: “finally got his angel wings. RIP dear soul. Love you forever.” Although David preferred a private life, he was occasionally seen escorting Dolly to events, demonstrating his support for his famous sister, as noted by Woman’s World. His presence at Dolly’s side highlighted the strong family bonds despite his preference for privacy.
Stella Parton
Stella Parton performing on stage.
Stella Parton, born on May 4, 1949, at 75 years old, followed in Dolly’s musical footsteps, becoming a successful country singer-songwriter in her own right. Her musical journey began early; at age 11, she made her recording debut with Dolly and Cassie on their uncle Bill Owens’ album, according to the Smoky Mountain DNA website. This early experience set the stage for her enduring career in music.
Stella has released over 30 albums since her debut in 1975 with “I Want to Hold You (In My Dreams Tonight).” Her extensive discography showcases her talent and dedication to country music. In 2011, Stella added author to her list of accomplishments with her memoir, “Tell It Sister, Tell It: Memories, Music and Miracles,” sharing personal stories and insights. She also ventured into acting, appearing in “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” (2015) and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” (2016), further cementing her presence in entertainment.
Despite her close family ties, Stella described herself as a “loner in (her) family” in a 2022 interview with People, while promoting the movie “Nothing is Impossible.” She emphasized her independence but affirmed her unwavering support for her family, stating, “if they need me, if they call me out to help with something, producing, consulting or whatever, I’m always there.”
Cassie Parton
Cassie Parton smiling in a portrait.
Cassie Parton, born in 1951, is another musically inclined member of the Parton family. Like her sisters Dolly and Stella, Cassie began her musical journey early, recording backup vocals at age 10, as revealed by the Smoky Mountain DNA project. Her early immersion in music was a common thread among the Parton siblings.
In 1970, Cassie performed with her sisters on “The Porter Wagoner Show,” a significant platform for country artists. She also showcased her vocal talents in the 2013 Dollywood production “My People: Dolly’s Letter Home,” according to Knox News. Cassie has also made appearances in the TV series “Dolly” and the film “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” (2022), according to IMDb. While maintaining a relatively private life, Cassie’s contributions to music and entertainment highlight the widespread talent within the Parton family.
Randy Parton
Dolly Parton and her brother Randy Parton sharing a microphone.
Randy Parton, born on December 15, 1953, was a renowned musician in his own right. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 67 after battling cancer. Dolly Parton announced his death on Facebook on January 21, 2021, expressing the family’s grief and faith: “The family and I are grieving his loss, but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time… We are a family of faith, and we believe that he is with God.”
Randy achieved considerable success in the music industry, particularly as a headliner at Dollywood. His songs, including “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me,” and “Shot Full of Love,” graced Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, as noted by Billboard. Randy’s musical talent and performances made him a beloved figure within the Parton family and the country music community.
Larry Parton
Larry Parton, the ninth child and fifth son of Robert and Avie Lee Parton, faced a tragically short life. He died just days after his birth in July 1955. Dolly Parton, who was nine years old at the time, experienced the profound loss of her baby brother, a poignant moment in the Parton family history.
Floyd Parton
Dolly Parton and her brother Floyd Parton in a close embrace.
Floyd Parton, born on June 1, 1957, was a talented songwriter and twin brother to Freida Parton. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 61. Like many of his siblings, Floyd made his mark in the music industry, often collaborating with Dolly Parton.
He co-wrote Dolly’s 1991 duet with Ricky Van Shelton, “Rockin’ Years,” a significant hit in her career. He also penned “Nickels and Dimes” for her 1978 album “Heartbreaker.” The Parton family held a private memorial in Tennessee to honor Floyd, as reported by Billboard. In a statement to People, the family shared, “Yesterday, we laid our sweet baby brother to rest. We all sang his lovely song, ‘Rockin’ Years,’ together as a family at the service to say goodbye to him. He lived a short life of love and beautiful songs.”
Freida Parton
Freida Parton and Dolly Parton in a vintage photo from 1981.
Freida Parton, the twin sister of Floyd Parton, born on June 1, 1957, explored a different genre of music compared to her country-oriented family. She ventured into hard rock music, showcasing her versatility and independent spirit.
Later in life, Freida became an ordained minister. In a 2014 interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, she mentioned opening Parton Family Wedding Chapel & Antiques in Sevierville, Tennessee, a unique business combining her ministry with her family heritage. Although the business appears to be closed now, it reflected Freida’s diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit.
Rachel Parton George
Rachel Parton posing for a portrait.
Rachel Parton George, born on August 31, 1959, is the youngest of Robert and Avie Lee Parton’s children. She is known for her acting career, most notably her role as Doralee Rhodes Brooks in the ABC sitcom “9 to 5,” based on the iconic 1980 film starring Dolly Parton.
In addition to acting, Rachel released a country album in 1984 and performed with her family’s singing group, as noted on her Penguin Random House author page and the Smoky Mountain DNA website. In September 2024, Rachel collaborated with Dolly on “Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals,” a cookbook celebrating their shared love for cooking and family recipes. Dolly Parton shared on social media, “The best part of creating this cookbook is getting to spend quality time with my sister Rachel,” highlighting their close bond.
Coy and Robert Lee Parton Jr.
Dolly’s other two living siblings, older brother Coy Parton and younger brother Robert Lee Parton Jr., have chosen to live their lives away from the public eye. While less is publicly known about them, they remain integral members of the Parton family, contributing to the family’s close-knit dynamic and shared history.
CORRECTION (July 8, 2024, 10:07 a.m. ET): An earlier version of this story misstated that Rachel Parton George and Freida Parton are twins. Freida and Floyd Parton, who died in 2018, were twins.
