Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, hails from a large, talented family of eleven siblings. Let’s look closer at each of Dolly’s brothers and sisters, their contributions, and the love that binds them together.
1. Willadeene Parton: The Eldest Sister (Age: 83)
Born on March 24, 1940, Willadeene is the eldest of the Parton siblings. She and her sisters Cassie, Stella, and Dolly formed a gospel band in their youth. Later, she transitioned to writing and released her memoir, “In the Shadow of a Song: The Story of the Parton Family,” at 45.
2. David Parton: The Mysterious Brother (Age: 81)
David Wilburn Parton, born on March 30, 1942, is one of the more private members of the family. Not much is known about his personal life. According to records, David passed away on November 5, 2001, at 59, but the family has not officially confirmed his death.
3. Coy Parton: The Silent Brother (Age: 79)
Coy Denver Parton, born on August 16, 1943, shares the same penchant for privacy as his brother David. Little information is available about his personal life.
4. Robert Parton Jr: The Retired Brother (Age: 75)
Robert Lee Parton Jr, born on February 18, 1948, leads a peaceful retired life away from the public eye.
5. Stella Parton: The Country Music Star (Age: 74)
Stella Parton, born May 4, 1949, is a renowned country musician, singer, and songwriter. With 36 studio albums to her name, Stella has left her mark on the music industry. She married 17 Marvin Carroll Rauhuff, and they had a son named Timothy C Rauhuff.
6. Cassie Parton: The Former Gospel Singer (Age: 72)
Cassie Nan Parton, born on February 12, 1951, initially pursued music and was part of the family’s gospel group. After the group disbanded, she stepped away from the music scene but appeared on TV shows like “The Porter Wagoner Show” and “Dolly.”
7. Randy Parton: The Musical Talent (Age at Death: 67)
Born on December 15, 1953, Randy Parton was a professional musician like his sister Dolly. He released several singles during his career and died of cancer on January 21, 2021, at 67.
8. Larry Parton: The Youngest Brother (Age at Death: 4 Days Old)
Born on July 6, 1955, Larry Parton tragically passed away at just four days old on July 10, 1955. He rests at the Angel Hill Cemetery in Sevierville, Tennessee.
9. Floyd Parton: The Songwriter (Age at Death: 61)
Floyd Parton, born June 1, 1957, was a talented songwriter who collaborated regularly with his sister Dolly. He contributed to popular songs like “Rockin’ Years” and “Nickels and Dimes” before passing away on December 6, 2018.
10. Freida Parton: The Twin Sister (Age: 66)
Freida Estelle Parton, born on June 1, 1957, is the twin sister of Floyd. She joined the family’s gospel group at a young age and later released her debut album, “Two Faced,” in 1984.
11. Rachel Parton George: The Youngest Sister (Age: 63)
Born on August 31, 1959, Rachel Ann Parton George is the youngest sibling of Dolly Parton. She enjoyed a brief career as a musician, making her solo stage debut at just 15 years old. Rachel also made a memorable appearance on the ABC sitcom “9 to 5” in 1982 when she was 23. While she made her mark in the entertainment industry, Rachel eventually retired from the spotlight. Her final on-camera appearance was in a Bravo Profiles episode in 1999.
Dolly’s Supportive Relationship with Her Siblings
Dolly Parton has remained close to her siblings and supports them wholeheartedly. Although they are all independent and successful, Dolly’s fame has undoubtedly opened doors for her family in the music industry. Many of her brothers and sisters found success in music and television.
A Humble Upbringing
Growing up in extreme poverty in Tennessee, the Parton family faced numerous challenges. They lived in a small cabin without access to running water or electricity, and even their beds were made of straw. Dolly’s father once paid the doctor with cornmeal after her birth, highlighting the family’s financial struggles.
Family Bonding and Traditions
Despite their humble beginnings, the Parton family shared a deep bond and cherished their time together. The family often gathers for Christmas, where Dolly serves dumplings using her mother’s cherished recipe. Dolly has always held her eldest sister, Willadeene Parton, in high regard, viewing her as a motherly figure.
Musical Legacy of the Parton Siblings
Dolly’s influence and support made many of her siblings succeed in the music industry. The family’s gospel band launched the musical careers of sisters Willadeene, Stella, and Cassie. Willadeene eventually shifted her focus to become a renowned author, while Stella enjoyed a successful music career with 36 albums released to date.
The Impact of Dolly’s Fame on Her Siblings
Most of Dolly’s siblings have witnessed a positive impact on their careers due to their association with the iconic singer. However, Stella experienced some challenges early on, feeling sidelined after Dolly’s early success. Despite these moments, the family’s love and support have remained steadfast throughout their journey.
Dolly Parton’s Nieces and Nephews
Dolly Parton has a loving relationship with her 15 nieces and nephews, who fondly call her “Aunt Granny.” Sadly, her niece Tevor Louise Parton passed away on March 26, 2017. Dolly is also a proud grandmother to seven grandnieces and grandnephews.
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Jada Star Anderson’s Reality TV Experience
Dolly’s niece Jada Star Anderson recently participated in the ABC reality TV competition “Claim to Fame.” Using the nickname “Jane” for the show, Jada took on the challenge of guessing the celebrity connection of a fellow competitor, Chris. Though her guess was incorrect, her appearance showcased her talent and love for music.
Dolly’s Cherished Childhood Home
Dolly Parton’s childhood home, a small cabin in Locust Ridge, is now a local tourist attraction in Tennessee. The property serves as a reminder of the family’s humble beginnings and the love that united them during challenging times. After Dolly’s success, her parents purchased a more comfortable home, which she eventually bought after their passing.
The Enduring Legacy of the Parton Family
Dolly Parton’s family is a testament to the power of love, support, and dedication. From their poverty-stricken upbringing to achieving success in various fields, the Parton siblings embody the essence of family bonds. Dolly’s influence on their careers and talents has created a lasting legacy of love and success for the Parton family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dolly Parton’s Family
1. How many siblings does Dolly Parton have?
Dolly Parton has eleven siblings, including six brothers and five sisters.
2. What are the names of Dolly Parton’s siblings in order of age?
The names of Dolly Parton’s siblings in order of age are Willadeene Parton, David Parton, Coy Parton, Robert Parton Jr, Stella Parton, Cassie Parton, Randy Parton, Larry Parton, Floyd Parton, Freida Parton, and Rachel Parton George.
3. Is Dolly Parton’s brother David Parton still alive?
As of my last update in September 2021, there is no official confirmation about David Parton’s death. He is one of the more private members of the family, and little information is available about his personal life.
4. What is the age difference between Dolly Parton and her youngest sister, Rachel Parton George?
Dolly Parton is six years older than her youngest sister, Rachel Parton George. Rachel was born on August 31, 1959, while Dolly was born on January 19, 1946.
5. How many albums does Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, have?
Stella Parton, Dolly’s sister, is a renowned country musician with a successful career. As of now, she has released 36 studio albums.
6. What was the cause of Randy Parton’s death?
Randy Parton, Dolly’s brother, died on January 21, 2021, at 67, due to cancer.
7. How did Dolly Parton’s brother Larry Parton die?
Larry Parton tragically passed away at just four days old on July 10, 1955. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed publicly.
8. Which of Dolly Parton’s siblings is a songwriter?
Dolly Parton’s brother Floyd Parton was a talented songwriter who collaborated regularly with Dolly. He contributed to popular songs like “Rockin’ Years” and “Nickels and Dimes.”
9. How many nieces and nephews does Dolly Parton have?
Dolly Parton has 15 nieces and nephews from nine of her siblings.
10. Which of Dolly Parton’s nieces recently appeared on a reality TV show?
Dolly Parton’s niece, Jada Star Anderson, recently participated in the ABC reality TV competition “Claim to Fame” using the nickname “Jane” for the show.
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