Dolly Parton is a titan in country music and one of the few faces of the genre that’s endured through generations. At a young 76, she’s barely shown signs of slowing down, accomplishing just as much in humanitarianism as she has with her music.
We haven’t discovered whether she’s tapped into the fountain of youth to draw all her energy and inspiration, but we have a feeling being one part of a 12-piece sibling mosaic has something to do with her boundless energy.
Dolly soaks up most of the spotlight, but she isn’t the only one with a noteworthy career in the biz. So join us while we learn more about the lives and careers of such a globally celebrated family.
12. Willadeene Parton (March 24, 1940 – Present)
Willadeene Parton starts us off on this 12-sibling-long journey as the 82-year-old oldest sister of the Parton troupe! Unlike Dolly, Willadeene’s music career didn’t pan out to the same degree as Dolly’s, but she found success in the industry.
She’s appeared as herself in The Oprah Winfrey Show and Prime Time Country, but she’s best known for her work on Dolly Parton’s nationally syndicated country-variety series, aptly titled Dolly (1976).
Did You Know?
Willadeene’s creative spirit is exercised as an author. She’s recognized for her book In The Shadow of a Song: The Parton Family – a revealing portrait into the life of country music’s most beloved family.
11. David Parton (March 30, 1942 – Present)
David Parton remained out of the spotlight, unlike most of his star-studded family.
He is the son of Robert and Avie Lee Parton.
Did You Know?
Despite not being a subject of interest to the public, David was regularly by Dolly’s side accompanying her to her events.
10. Coy Parton (August 16, 1943 – Present)
Information on Coy Parton isn’t known to the public.
9. Dolly Parton (January 19, 1946 – Present)
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
What has Dolly not done in her multi-decade-spanning career? She’s known primarily for her contribution to country music, earning her the nickname Queen of Country. But more important than 100 million records sold worldwide has been her dedication to charity. She’s one of the most prolific social activists of all time.
Starting in the 1980s, she’s been heavily involved in her charity Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (part of the Dollywood Foundation), which focuses on promoting childhood literacy.
Her foundation mails one book per month to every enrolled child from when they’re born until kindergarten.
This program reaches roughly 850,000 children per month across the world. The Dollywood Foundation is credited for returning jobs to impoverished areas and raising funds for cancer research, rehabilitation, treatments, and various HIV/AIDS-related charities.
As a musician, Dolly gave us timeless hits that even non-country fans can jam to. That’s what’s made her career so brilliant. Her collaborations and unique voice offered something to country that was never seen before.
Over 100 million record sales prove that. She’s won 11 Grammy Awards, a whopping 50 nominations, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and ten Country Music Association Awards.
Did You Know?
Miley Cyrus’s godmother is none other than Dolly Parton. Somehow that’s not surprising since we hear some major Dolly influence in her music. She also made cameo appearances as Aunt Dolly on Disney Channel’s hit show Hannah Montana.
8. Robert Parton Jr. (February 18, 1948 – Present)
Robert Parton Jr. left the limelight for his big sister.
He lives a quiet life, presumably still in Tennessee.
Did You Know?
Robert, David, and Coy live a life separated from the whirlwind of fanfare the rest of their family attracts. For a couple of country boys, celebrity life didn’t gel with their modest sensibilities.
7. Stella Parton (May 04, 1949 – Present)
Stella Parton is a country singer and songwriter best known for her hit single I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight (1975). Apart from music, charitable giving is ingrained deeply in the Parton spirit.
She offers her time and resources to fight against domestic violence and takes a hands-on role as a teacher at the New Opportunity School for Women at Berea College, offering her extensive knowledge in hair and make-up to help women regain their confidence and build self-esteem.
Did You Know?
Stella is an author and businesswoman. She’s written three cookbooks and is the founder of her consulting business Attic Entertainment Artist Development and Entertainment Consulting, teaching the next generation of potential stars things like stage presence, make-up, and wardrobe.
6. Cassie Parton (February 12, 1951 – Present)
Cassie Parton is recognized for her 1970 appearance on the Porter Wagoner Show alongside her sisters Dolly and Cassie.
They performed the song Break My Mind.
Did You Know?
Cassie performed at the My People Show in 2013.
5. Randy Parton (December 15, 1953 – January 21, 2021)
Randy Parton was inspired by his big sister’s success, becoming an accomplished singer, songwriter, actor, and businessman. Randy was the lead in the band Moonlight Bandits, providing the backup vocals to a soundtrack for Dolly Parton’s film, Rhinestone.
He also performed in the group Honey Creek.
Did You Know?
Randy sadly passed away last year after a bout with cancer.
4. Larry Parton (July 6, 1955 – July 10, 1955)
Larry Parton passed away four days after his birth.
Did You Know?
Larry is buried at Angel Hill Cemetery in the family hometown of Sevierville.
3. Floyd Parton (June 1, 1957 – December 6, 2018)
Floyd Parton was best known as an actor in Rhinestone (1984), playing a member of the Cut N’ Slice Band. He also appeared on soundtracks for George Burns in Nashville (1980) and Dolly Parton & Friends (2007).
He’s the creative mind behind the #1 song Rockin’ Years, written for Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton in 1991. Floyd showcased some outstanding gifts as a writer, evidenced by his longtime partnership with his sister as her songwriting partner.
Did You Know?
Floyd passed away at 61 due to an undisclosed illness.
2. Freida Parton (June 1, 1957 – Present)
In every family, there needs to be at least one rebel. For the Parton family, that was Frieda, who strayed about as far as one could from country music by joining a punk-rock band as a vocalist. Ultimately, Frieda took a 180-degree turn and is now an ordained minister.
Frieda lent her powerful vocals to several tracks as a backup singer for Dolly.
Did You Know?
Frieda has a daughter – Jada Star, with her ex-husband Mark Andersen.
1. Rachel Parton (August 31, 1959 – Present)
Rachel Parton is the youngest Parton sibling at 62-years-old!
Like most of her family, Rachel also had inclinations toward music. She and the rest of her family were inspired by their mother, who would sing to entertain her 12 children.
“Singing was like breathing at home,” Rachel told People Magazine. She’s appeared on the TV series Nine to Five, playing Doralee Rhodes Brooks, and also made special cameos for her beloved sister Dolly in various projects where she was the focus.
Did You Know?
Rachel retired from acting in 1999 and is married to Eric Wilson George.
