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The Legendary Dozen: A Complete List Of Dolly Parton's 11 Siblings, Oldest To Youngest (Plus Recent Updates)

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Dolly Parton's family is the bedrock of her entire career, a legendary "Parton Family Tree" rooted deep in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. For fans of the global icon, understanding her upbringing—being one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton—is essential to grasping the "Coat of Many Colors" narrative that defines her music. As of December 2025, the family continues to make news, most recently with the passing of one of her older brothers, reminding the world that even a superstar's life is grounded in the universal experience of love and loss within a large family unit.

The Parton siblings are a fascinating group, with several following Dolly into the entertainment world, while others chose to live quiet, private lives away from the spotlight. This comprehensive list details all 12 children in their birth order, from the eldest sister, Willadeene, down to the youngest twin, Rachel, providing the most current biographical and career information available.

The Complete Parton Family Tree: 12 Children, Oldest to Youngest

The Parton children were raised in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Their parents, Robert "Lee" Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton, instilled a strong work ethic and a deep love for music. This environment produced one of the world's most beloved entertainers, alongside a talented group of siblings who are poets, songwriters, singers, and actors. Dolly is the fourth born.

  • Parents: Robert "Lee" Parton (1921–2000) and Avie Lee Owens Parton (1923–2003)
  • Total Children: 12

1. Willadeene Parton (Sister)

As the eldest of the 12 children, Willadeene was born in 1940 and played a quasi-maternal role to her younger siblings, including a young Dolly. She is an accomplished poet and author, notably publishing the memoir and cookbook Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Mountain Side of Dolly Parton's Family in 1996. Unlike some of her sisters, Willadeene did not pursue a singing career but has appeared on Dolly's television projects, remaining a foundational figure in the Parton family story.

2. David Wilburn Parton (Brother)

Born in 1942, David Wilburn Parton was one of the more private members of the large family. He worked for many years as a bridge builder superintendent, successfully maintaining a life out of the public eye. Tragically, David passed away at his home in White Pine, Tennessee, on November 15, 2024, at the age of 82. His passing was a significant and recent loss for the entire Parton family.

3. Coy Denver Parton (Brother)

Coy Parton, born in 1943, is another sibling who has largely avoided the entertainment industry spotlight. Like his brother David, Coy chose a private life, keeping his professional and personal affairs out of the public domain. He is known to be a dedicated family man, a common trait among the siblings who prefer a quiet life in East Tennessee.

4. Dolly Rebecca Parton (Sister)

Born in 1946, Dolly is the fourth child and needs no introduction. Her career spans over six decades, cementing her status as the "Queen of Country." Her success has also provided a platform for many of her siblings, directly involving them in projects like Dollywood and her various television specials.

5. Robert "Bobby" Lee Parton Jr. (Brother)

Born in 1948, Robert Lee Parton Jr., often called Bobby, is the second brother to maintain a life away from the celebrity world. He has never pursued a career in show business, preferring to live a private life. The quiet lives of brothers like Bobby and Coy stand in stark contrast to the global fame of their sister, highlighting the diversity of paths taken within the Parton family.

6. Stella Mae Parton (Sister)

Stella Mae Parton, born in 1949, is arguably the second-most famous sibling. She is an international award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and author who has carved out a successful career independent of her sister. Stella is also a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She has released over 40 studio albums, with her recent work, such as the album SURVIVOR, celebrating five decades in the entertainment industry.

7. Cassie Nan Parton (Sister)

Born in 1951, Cassie Nan Parton showed early promise in music, often performing in a gospel trio with her sisters. While she didn't pursue a major solo career like Dolly or Stella, Cassie has a background in acting and singing. She appeared on The Porter Wagoner Show in the 1970s and has performed in various theatrical productions, including shows at Dollywood.

The Talented and Tragic Middle Children

The Parton family experienced both immense creative talent and profound heartache in the middle of their birth order. The stories of Randy, Floyd, and the infant Larry are crucial to understanding the resilience and emotional depth of the Parton family's Appalachian roots.

8. Randy Parton (Brother)

Randle Huston "Randy" Parton, born in 1953, was a talented country singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and businessman. He was a beloved fixture at Dollywood, where he performed for years. Randy's music career included several chart entries, and he often toured and recorded with Dolly. His passing on January 21, 2021, at the age of 67, after a battle with cancer, was a major loss to the country music community and the family.

9. Larry Parton (Brother)

Larry Parton's story is one of the family's deepest heartaches. Born in July 1955, Larry tragically passed away just four days after his birth. Dolly, who was nine years old at the time, has spoken about the profound sadness of losing her baby brother, an event that shaped the family's perspective on life and faith.

10. Floyd Estel Parton (Brother)

Floyd Estel Parton, born in 1957, was a gifted songwriter and composer whose talent was instrumental to Dolly's career. He penned several notable songs, including the Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton hit "Rockin' Years" and the classic "Nickels and Dimes." Floyd was also a musician, poet, and storyteller. He passed away on December 6, 2018, at the age of 61. His musical legacy lives on through the songs he wrote for his sister.

The Youngest Parton Twins and Their Current Endeavors

The youngest children of the family are a set of twins, Freida and Rachel, both of whom have had public careers in music and acting, and have recently collaborated with Dolly on a surprising new venture.

11. Freida Estelle Parton (Sister, Twin)

Freida, born in 1959, is one half of the youngest twins. She has a background as a singer and is known for her rock and roll style. Freida has also been in the news in recent years for providing updates and asking for prayers regarding Dolly's health on social media, demonstrating her close bond with her famous sister. Like many of her siblings, she has performed at Dollywood and been involved in various family projects.

12. Rachel Ann Parton George (Sister, Twin)

Rachel Ann Parton George, also born in 1959, is the youngest of the 12 Parton children. She is a retired singer and actress, recognized for her role in the television series 9 to 5 in the 1980s. In a recent and exciting update, Rachel has stepped into the culinary spotlight, co-authoring the cookbook Good Lookin' Cookin' with Dolly. This collaboration highlights her role as a "star in her family's kitchens" and brings her back into the public eye in a new, engaging way.

The Enduring Legacy of the Parton Family

The story of the 12 Parton siblings—six boys and six girls—is a powerful testament to the influence of family on success. From the eldest, Willadeene, who helped raise the others, to the youngest, Rachel, who now cooks alongside the superstar, the family's collective journey is one of perseverance, talent, and deep familial loyalty. The close-knit nature of the family, often referred to as the "Parton clan," has been a constant source of inspiration for Dolly's songwriting and philanthropic work, particularly the Imagination Library, which honors her father's inability to read. The recent passing of David Parton in 2024 is a poignant reminder that while the family is famous, their experiences mirror those of any large, loving family navigating life's inevitable changes.

The siblings who pursued music, such as Stella, Randy, and Floyd, have left their own indelible mark on country and gospel music, while those who chose private lives, like Coy and Robert Jr., are respected for their choice. Through every triumph and tragedy, the Parton family remains a true Appalachian dynasty, forever tied to the Smoky Mountains and the simple, powerful stories that Dolly has shared with the world.

dolly parton siblings oldest to youngest
dolly parton siblings oldest to youngest

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