Dolly Parton is known and loved for her incredible talent, but there’s another group of stars that holds a special place in her heart – her siblings. Dolly has 11 brothers and sisters, and each one has played a significant role in shaping her life and career. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable individuals who have been by Dolly’s side through thick and thin.
The Parton Family: A Musical Upbringing
Dolly Parton was born and raised in a small cabin near the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee. Her parents, Robert and Avie Lee Parton, instilled a love for music in their children from a young age. Dolly grew up surrounded by family members playing instruments and singing, and her mother’s beautiful voice singing the old songs.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Dolly shared, “I grew up in a very musical family, all my mother’s people were very musical, so I was always around people playing instruments and singing, and my mom singing the old songs. So that was just part of my being, and I just knew I loved it. I just continued doing that, it was just a natural thing.”
Singing and Storytelling: A Family Tradition
Dolly’s youngest sister, Rachel, described singing as being as natural as breathing in their household. The Parton siblings would spend their time together “concocting songs,” which their mother would then transcribe and the whole family would sing after supper.
This tradition of music and storytelling has continued throughout their lives. In 2015, the siblings came together for the release of the TV movie “Coat of Many Colors,” which is based on their poverty-stricken upbringing. It was a heartfelt reunion for the family, allowing them to remember their parents and the impact they had on their lives.
A Bond That Lasts a Lifetime: Dolly’s Christmas Tradition
Every Christmas, Dolly honors her late mother’s cooking by making a feast of dumplings for her siblings. Dumplings were their mother’s specialty, and Dolly’s recipe closely resembles her mother’s. She even makes little containers of it to give to her brothers and sisters as a Christmas gift.
Dolly lovingly shared, “I usually cook a big, big pot, and then I’ll always have some for them to take home and freeze and thaw out and eat when they get to missin’ me.” It’s a special way for Dolly to show her love and bring the family together, even when they are physically apart.
Willadeene Parton: The Oldest Sister with a Story to Tell
Willadeene is the oldest child of the Parton clan, and she played a maternal role in the family. While she briefly dabbled in music with her sisters, she found her true calling in storytelling. She published her first book, “Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family,” in 1996, and shared cherished memories of their upbringing.
Willadeene’s talents didn’t stop there. In 1997, she released a cookbook titled “All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground” that was inspired by their Tennessee roots. She has since settled down in Tennessee, away from the spotlight, but her influence and love for her family remain strong.
Stella Parton: Following in Dolly’s Musical Footsteps
Stella, born in 1949, pursued a career in the music industry, just like her sister Dolly. Her debut album, “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight,” launched her into the spotlight in 1975. Stella has released over 36 albums and has written her own memoir, “Tell It Sister, Tell It: Memories, Music, and Miracles.”
Stella’s love for music runs deep, but she is also passionate about family collaborations. She shared, “If [family members] need me, if they call me out to help with something, producing, consulting, or whatever, I’m always there.” Stella’s commitment to family and her independent spirit shine through in her music and her life.
Cassie Parton: The Family’s Vocalist
Cassie, born in 1951, embraced music from a young age and sang in a gospel group with her sisters. Although she did not pursue a professional music career like some of her siblings, she appeared as a vocalist in her sister Dolly’s show “My People: Dolly’s Letter Home” in 2013.
Cassie prefers to live a more private life, far from the spotlight. She is a mother to two children, Bryan Melvin Seaver and Rebecca Ann Seaver, whom she shares with her husband Larry Seaver.
Randy Parton: A Talented Musician and Duet Partner
Randy, the eighth child of the Parton siblings, was born in 1953. Like his famous sister Dolly, Randy had a successful career in music. He headlined his own show at Dollywood in 1986 and produced chart-topping hits like “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me” and “Shot Full of Love.” He even collaborated with Dolly on the duet “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.”
Sadly, Randy passed away in January 2021 at the age of 67 after battling cancer. Dolly described him as “a great singer, writer, and entertainer” and cherished the years they spent together on stage. Randy’s legacy lives on through his music and the love he shared with his family.
Keeping the Family Bond: Dolly’s Nephew, Sabyn
Sabyn, Randy’s son, followed in his father’s musical footsteps. In an interview with PEOPLE, he described the time he spent with his dad before his passing as incredibly meaningful. They reconnected, and Randy expressed his love and pride in his son’s talents.
As Sabyn reflected on their relationship, he chose forgiveness and understanding. Despite their rocky past, he saw the best version of his father, and they were able to make the most of their time together.
Larry Parton: A Baby Taken Too Soon
Larry, Avie and Robert’s ninth child, tragically died four days after his birth in July 1955. Dolly shared that each new baby in the family would be designated as “your baby” by their mother, signifying the extra care needed for that child. Larry’s passing left a lasting impact on Dolly, who saw him as her own baby.
Dolly cherishes the memories she had with her brother and recognizes that the difficult times shape who she is today. Larry may have been in her life for a short time, but his presence in her heart remains strong.
Floyd Parton: The Talented Songwriter
Floyd, born in 1957, shared his siblings’ love for music. He collaborated with Dolly on several songs, including the duet “Rockin’ Years,” which topped the charts. Floyd had a deep appreciation for nature and was described as a “renaissance man.” He passed away in December 2018 at the age of 61.
Dolly honored her brother at his private memorial service with a heartfelt song. The Parton family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of kindness and love, saying, “He lived a short life of love and beautiful songs.”
Freida Parton: Twin Sister and Ordained Minister
Freida, Floyd’s twin sister, embraced a different path from her family’s country roots. She performed in a punk band but also lent her vocals as a backup singer on some of Dolly’s albums. In 2014, after becoming an ordained minister, she opened the Parton Family Wedding Chapel & Antiques, combining her love for weddings and antiques.
Freida’s daughter, Jada Andersen, followed in the family’s musical footsteps and released her debut album, “Long Way Home,” in 2018. The Parton sisters have had a significant influence on Jada, who values their musical heritage.
Rachel Parton: From Music to Acting
Rachel, the youngest of the Parton siblings, was born in 1959. She started her music career as one of the lead vocalists in the band Honey Creek, alongside her late brother Randy. Rachel transitioned to acting and is best known for her role as Doralee in the ABC sitcom “9 to 5,” based on Dolly’s well-known film.
Before pursuing acting, Rachel shared her passion for makeup with Dolly. They traveled together, with Rachel serving as Dolly’s makeup artist and backup singer. Rachel found love on the road and married Richard Dennison, Dolly’s pianist. They have been together since 1979.
David, Coy, and Robert Lee Parton Jr.: The Private Brothers
Dolly’s brothers David, Coy, and Robert Lee have chosen to live private lives away from the spotlight. Unlike their famous sisters, these brothers have been able to maintain a level of anonymity.
David and Coy, born in 1942 and 1943 respectively, are Dolly’s older brothers. Robert Jr., born in 1948, is her younger brother.
Dolly Parton’s family is a testament to love, resilience, and the bond shared among siblings. Each brother and sister has made their mark in their own way, contributing to the Parton family legacy. From music and storytelling to acting and ministry, their individual talents and the love they share enrich the lives of all who know them.
