Dolly Parton Has Lots of Brothers & Sisters – Get to Know Her 11 Siblings
Dolly Parton is a household name, a country music legend, and a beloved cultural icon. But did you know she comes from a huge family? Dolly is the fourth of twelve children born to Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton. That’s right—she has 11 siblings!
Born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Dolly grew up in a loving yet financially struggling household. Her father worked as a sharecropper, farmer, and construction worker, while her mother stayed home to raise their large family. Despite the hardships, music was always at the heart of their home.
Dolly has often shared stories about her humble beginnings, recalling that when she was born, her father paid the doctor with a sack of cornmeal because the family had no money. This spirit of perseverance and love deeply influenced Dolly and her siblings, many of whom also pursued music careers.
Now, let’s meet the incredible Parton siblings and learn more about their lives!
Willadeene Parton (Born March 24, 1940)
The eldest of the Parton siblings, Willadeene was a second mother to her younger brothers and sisters. Although she initially pursued a career in gospel music, she found her true calling as a writer. Her memoir, Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family (1996), provides a heartfelt look into their upbringing. She also wrote All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground (1997), a cookbook filled with Southern recipes and stories from her childhood.
Unlike her more famous sister, Willadeene has largely lived a private life, away from the spotlight.
David Parton (Born 1942 – Died 2024)
David was the firstborn son of the Parton family. Unlike many of his siblings, he did not pursue a music career. Instead, he worked as a bridge builder superintendent and led a quiet, private life. Though not often in the public eye, he was sometimes photographed with his famous sister, Dolly.
David passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 82.
Coy Parton (Born 1943)
Coy is another Parton sibling who chose to stay out of the limelight. Though little is known about his life, he shares the same deep-rooted values that were instilled in all the Parton children.
Robert Lee Parton Jr. (Born 1948)
Born two years after Dolly, Robert Jr. has always maintained a private life. Like his older brothers, he chose not to pursue music and stayed out of the public eye.
Stella Parton (Born May 4, 1949)
Photo Credit: Gregg DeGuire / Contributor / Getty Images
Dolly isn’t the only Parton sibling with a successful music career! Stella Parton followed in her big sister’s footsteps and made a name for herself in country music. She released her debut album I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight in 1975, with the title track becoming a Top 10 country hit.
Beyond music, Stella has dabbled in acting, appearing in Dolly’s TV movies, Coat of Many Colors and Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. She has also written a memoir (Tell It Sister, Tell It) and three cookbooks. To this day, Stella continues to perform and share her passion for music.
Cassie Parton (Born February 12, 1951)
Like many of her siblings, Cassie has a deep love for music. She performed in a gospel group for years before stepping away from the industry. However, she briefly returned to the stage in 2013 to perform at Dollywood in My People, a show celebrating the Parton family legacy.
Randy Parton (Born December 15, 1953 – Died January 2021)
Photo Credit: dollyparton.com
Randy was a talented musician who pursued a career in country music. He released multiple albums and even recorded the first version of Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler) before Alabama made it famous.
Randy also worked closely with Dolly, providing backing vocals and playing instruments on many of her songs. Sadly, he passed away in January 2021 after a battle with cancer, but his musical legacy lives on.
Larry Parton (Born & Died July 1955)
Tragically, Larry Parton passed away just four days after his birth. Dolly was only nine years old at the time and has spoken about the deep sadness the family experienced. His story was depicted in the Coat of Many Colors film.
Floyd Parton (Born June 1, 1957 – Died 2018)
Photo Credit: Ron Galella / Contributor / Getty Images
Floyd was an accomplished songwriter who penned some of Dolly’s biggest hits, including Rockin’ Years (a duet with Ricky Van Shelton) and Nickels and Dimes. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 61, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.
Freida Parton (Born June 1, 1957)
Freida is wearing the pink outfit. The woman in the white outfit is one of Freida and Dolly Parton’s other siblings, sister Stella. Photo Credit: Ron Galella / Contributor / Getty Images
Freida, Floyd’s twin sister, took a different musical path. She dabbled in punk rock before later returning to country music. In 2014, she became an ordained minister and opened the Parton Family Wedding Chapel & Antiques in Tennessee.
Rachel Parton (Born August 31, 1959)
The baby of the family, Rachel, initially pursued a music career, singing backup for Dolly and performing with her brother Randy in the band Honey Creek. However, she later pivoted to acting and landed a lead role in the 9 to 5 TV series from 1982 to 1988.
Recently, Rachel and Dolly announced they co-wrote a cookbook called Good Lookin’ Cookin’, featuring 80 of their favorite recipes.
The Parton Legacy
The Parton family is filled with talent, resilience, and an undeniable love for music. Though Dolly is the most famous of the bunch, her siblings have all made their own marks on the world, whether through music, writing, acting, or ministry.
Dolly has always credited her family with shaping who she is today. No matter how much fame she has gained, she remains deeply connected to her roots and the values she learned growing up in the Smoky Mountains.
Which of the Parton siblings’ stories surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments and share this article with fellow Dolly fans!
