Dolly Parton Has 11 Siblings: Meet the Family That Shaped a Legend
Dolly Parton didn’t grow up surrounded by fame or fortune — she grew up surrounded by family. Lots of it.
The country music icon is the fourth of twelve children born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton, meaning Dolly has 11 brothers and sisters. Together, they were raised in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee, nestled in the Smoky Mountains just outside Pigeon Forge.
Born on January 19, 1946, Dolly entered the world during a time of deep poverty for the Parton family. Her father worked wherever he could — as a sharecropper, farmer, and construction worker — while her mother stayed home to raise the children. Dolly has often described their upbringing as “dirt poor,” once recalling that her father paid the doctor who delivered her with a sack of cornmeal.
Despite their financial struggles, the Parton household was rich in faith, music, and love. Much of that musical spirit came from Avie Lee’s side of the family, where singing and playing instruments were simply part of everyday life.
“I grew up in a very musical family,” Dolly told PEOPLE in 2020. “All my mother’s people were very musical, so I was always around people playing instruments and singing.”
Those roots later inspired Dolly’s autobiographical films Coat of Many Colors and Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, both of which featured appearances from her real-life siblings.
Now, here’s a closer look at each of the 11 brothers and sisters who shared Dolly Parton’s remarkable journey.
Willadeene Parton
The oldest of the Parton children, Willadeene was born on March 24, 1940. Nearly six years older than Dolly, she often served as a second mother to her younger siblings.
Willadeene initially pursued gospel music before stepping away from performing and discovering a passion for writing. She published her memoir Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family in 1996, followed by a cookbook, All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground, in 1997. Today, she lives a quiet, private life.
David Parton
Born in 1942, David was the first Parton son. Unlike many of his siblings, he stayed out of the music industry entirely, working instead as a bridge builder superintendent. Though he largely avoided the spotlight, he was occasionally seen attending family events.
David passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 82.
Coy “Denver” Parton
The third Parton child, Coy — who goes by “Denver” — was born in 1943. Like his older brother David, he chose a private life away from public attention and did not pursue music professionally.
Robert “Bobby” Lee Parton Jr.
Born in 1948, Robert Jr. arrived two years after Dolly. He also lived a private life, choosing not to follow his sisters and brothers into the entertainment world.
Stella Parton
Born on May 4, 1949, Stella became one of the most well-known Parton siblings outside of Dolly herself.
She launched her country music career in 1975 with the album I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight. The title track reached No. 9 on the Hot Country Songs chart, paving the way for future hits like “Standard Lie Number One” and “Four Little Letters.”
In addition to music, Stella is an accomplished author, actress, and cookbook writer. She appeared in Coat of Many Colors and Christmas of Many Colors and served as the Parton family’s on-set representative, ensuring the story was told authentically. Stella continues to perform and create today.
Cassie Parton
Cassie was born on February 12, 1951. She shared her family’s love for music and sang gospel alongside her sisters for several years before stepping away from a professional career.
In 2013, Cassie returned to the stage as part of Dolly’s My People show at Dollywood, performing with her brother Randy. Otherwise, she maintains a quiet life.
Randy Parton
Born December 15, 1953, Randy followed Dolly into the music business. He released his debut album There Was a Dream in 1978 and scored hits including “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me” and “Shot Full of Love.”
Randy also made history as the first artist to record “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” before Alabama turned it into a massive hit. He worked closely with Dolly, performing with her, recording duets, and playing guitar and bass on her projects. Randy headlined his own show at Dollywood for many years.
He passed away in January 2021 after a battle with cancer at age 67.
Larry Parton
Larry, born in July 1955, tragically passed away just four days after birth. Dolly was nine years old at the time, and the loss deeply affected the family.
His death was later depicted in Coat of Many Colors, where Dolly shared how her mother had assigned each older child responsibility for a new baby. Larry had been “hers,” making the loss especially painful.
Floyd Parton
Born on June 1, 1957, Floyd became a gifted songwriter. He co-wrote Dolly’s No. 1 hit “Nickels and Dimes” and penned “Rockin’ Years,” which Dolly later recorded with Ricky Van Shelton, taking it to the top of the charts.
Floyd passed away in 2018 at age 61. The family honored him by singing “Rockin’ Years” together at his service.
Freida Parton
Freida, Floyd’s twin, was also born on June 1, 1957. Her musical path took a different turn — she performed in a punk rock band before later becoming an ordained minister.
In 2014, she opened the Parton Family Wedding Chapel & Antiques in Sevierville, Tennessee, fulfilling a longtime dream of officiating weddings and serving others.
Rachel Parton
The youngest of the Parton children, Rachel was born on August 31, 1959. She toured with Dolly at a young age, sang backup vocals, and later transitioned into acting.
Rachel starred as Doralee Rhodes on the 9 to 5 television series from 1982 to 1988 — the same character Dolly played in the film. She and Dolly also collaborated on a cookbook, Good Lookin’ Cookin’, sharing family recipes and memories.