Dolly Parton, the iconic country music singer, and songwriter, comes from a large and talented family. She is not the only celebrity in her household; her siblings have also significantly contributed to the entertainment industry. Let’s explore each of her eleven siblings and learn about their accomplishments.
1. Willadeene Parton (Age: 83)
As the eldest child of Robert and Avie Lee Parton, Willadeene was born on March 24, 1940. As part of a gospel band, she ventured into music alongside her sisters, Dolly, Cassie, and Stella. Later, she succeeded as an author with books like “In the Shadow of a Song: The Story of the Parton Family.”
2. David Parton (Age: 81)
Born on March 30, 1942, David Wilburn Parton led a private life, keeping many details about himself away from the public eye. Although there are speculations about his death in 2001, the family has not confirmed it.
3. Coy Parton (Age: 79)
Coy Denver Parton, born on August 16, 1943, lives a quiet life away from the limelight like his brother, David.
4. Robert Parton Jr (Age: 75)
Born on February 18, 1948, Robert Lee Parton Jr enjoys a peaceful retirement with his family, staying away from the media.
5. Stella Parton (Age: 74)
Stella Parton, born on May 4, 1949, is the sixth child of the Parton family. She is a prosperous country musician with numerous studio albums to her name. Stella also appeared in TV shows like “The Porter Wagoner Show” and “Dolly.”
6. Cassie Parton (Age: 72)
Cassie Nan Parton, born on February 12, 1951, initially pursued music as part of her family’s gospel group. Later, she shifted focus and appeared in TV movies like “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas.”
7. Randy Parton (Age at Death: 67)
Randy Parton, born on December 15, 1953, was a professional musician like his sister Dolly. He released several singles and collaborated with Dolly on songwriting. Sadly, he passed away on January 21, 2021, from cancer.
8. Larry Parton (Age at Death: 4 Days Old)
Larry, the eighth sibling of the Parton family, was born on July 6, 1955. Tragically, he passed away at only four days old.
9. Floyd Parton (Age At Death: 61)
Born on June 1, 1957, Floyd Parton was a talented songwriter who often collaborated with Dolly. He contributed to popular songs like “Rockin’ Years” and “Nickels and Dimes.” He passed away on December 6, 2018.
10. Freida Parton (Age: 66)
Freida Estelle Parton, born on June 1, 1957, is Floyd’s twin sister. She pursued a music career and released her debut album “Two Faced” in 1984.
11. Rachel Parton (Age: 63)
As the youngest sibling, Rachel Ann Parton, George was born on August 31, 1959. She had a brief music career and appeared in the ABC sitcom “9 to 5.”
Dolly Parton’s Supportive Relationship with Her Siblings
Dolly Parton, the legendary country music singer, has a close and supportive relationship with her eleven siblings. Despite their humble beginnings and the challenges they faced in their childhood, Dolly’s fame and success have positively influenced many of her siblings’ careers in music and television.
1. From Poverty to Success
Dolly and her siblings grew up in extreme poverty in Tennessee, living in a small cabin without running water or electricity. Their father even paid the doctor with a sack of cornmeal when Dolly was born because they had no money. Despite these hardships, the Parton family remained resilient.
2. Family Gatherings
The Parton family comes together for special occasions, especially during Christmas. Dolly takes pride in serving her mother’s dumplings to her siblings using the cherished family recipe. She has always shared a special bond with her eldest sister, Willadeene Parton, who is seen as a motherly figure.
3. Supporting Siblings’ Careers
Dolly played a significant role in launching the musical careers of her sisters, Willadeene, Stella, and Cassie. While Willadeene transitioned to become a renowned author, Stella enjoyed a successful career in the music industry, releasing 36 albums to date. Dolly’s brothers, Randy and Floyd Parton, also succeeded as a singer and songwriters, respectively.
4. Dolly’s Nieces and Nephews
Dolly Parton has 15 nieces and nephews from nine of her siblings, forming a large and close-knit family. They lovingly call her “Aunt Granny Dean.” Unfortunately, her niece, Tevor Louise Parton, passed away in 2017. Among her grandnieces and grandnephews, Dolly has seven young members in the family.
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5. Success and Challenges
Many of Dolly’s siblings have experienced success and recognition in their respective careers, partly thanks to Dolly’s fame. Her niece, Jada Star Anderson, recently participated in the ABC reality TV competition “Claim to Fame” under the nickname “Jane.” Though her participation was short-lived, the exposure was an opportunity to showcase her talents.
6. A Negative Impact on Stella’s Career
Despite her successful music career, Stella Parton revealed in her memoir that she felt sidelined when Dolly found early success in Tennessee. Dolly’s rapid rise to fame led to tensions during their earlier collaborations, highlighting the challenges of being related to a superstar.
7. Dolly’s Family Home and Childhood
Dolly’s childhood home, a small cabin in Locust Ridge, was where she and her siblings spent their formative years. The humble abode lacked modern amenities but was a place of contentment and love for the family. Today, the house is a local tourist attraction in Tennessee with a replica in the Dollywood theme park.
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