Meet Dolly Parton’s 11 Siblings
Dolly Parton knows a little something about the meaning of family. The country star was the fourth born of 12 children, with six brothers and five sisters to lean on over the years. While Dolly went on to become a superstar and legendary musician, many of her siblings caught the creative bug as well, with some following in her musical footsteps and others exploring writing, acting and paths far from the music industry.
“I grew up in a very musical family, all my mother’s people were very musical, so I was always around people playing instruments and singing, and my mom singing the old songs,” Parton once shared. “So that was just part of my being and I just knew I loved it. I just continued doing that, it was just a natural thing.”
Meet Dolly’s 11 siblings and get to know the brothers and sisters of the country legend.
Willadeene Parton, 86
Born on March 24, 1940 was the eldest Parton child, Dolly’s sister, Willadeene. Although she had a brief stint in music like many of her siblings, Willadeene found success as an author. Her first book, Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family, was a memoir published in 1996. The following year, she published the cookbook, All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground, which featured recipes from her childhood in Tennessee.
But after the release of her two books, Willadeene settled down outside of the spotlight and has led a fairly private life since then.
David Wilburn Parton (1942-2024)
The second born of the Parton clan was Dolly’s brother, David Wilburn Parton, on March 30, 1942. Unlike his younger sister, David led a very private life and lived away from the public. He was a bridge builder superintendent for a company called Simpson Construction, where he worked on several bridges in the Kingsport, Johnson City and Knoxville areas.
David sadly died on November 15, 2024 at the age of 82. Dolly’s sister, Stella, shared a sweet message following his passing, writing, “It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one but he got his angel wings and is now at peace.”
Coy Denver Parton, 82
Coy Denver Parton was the third born of the family in 1943. While David kept his life fairly private, there is even less known about Coy.
Robert Lee Parton Jr., 78
Born after Dolly on February 18, 1948 was Robert Lee Parton Jr., named after their father. Robert, too, has led a very private life and there is very little known about the now 78-year old.
Stella Mae Parton, 77
Stella Mae Parton was born on May 4, 1949, following in Dolly’s footsteps to become a singer-songwriter just like her older sister. Her debut album, I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight, was released in 1975 and led to a very successful music career. Over the years, Stella has released over 40 albums.
She also took a page out of Willadeene’s book, writing the memoir Tell It Sister, Tell It: Memories, Music and Miracles, in 2011, as well as three cookbooks. In 1966, Stella married her first husband, Marvin Carroll Rauhuff, whom she was with until 1970. The two welcomed their son, Timothy, in 1968. She later wed James E. Malloy in the 1970s, which also ended in a divorce and, later, Steven Messer from 1988 until 1991.
Cassie Nan Parton, 75
The fourth born daughter was Cassie Nan Parton on February 12, 1951. Cassie, too, caught the music bug, performing as a gospel singer with her sisters at a young age. However, she never pursued a career beyond that. She has appeared in a few of Dolly’s specials, including Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas in 2022.
Cassie is married to husband, Larry Seaver, whom she shares two children with: daughter Rebecca Ann and son Bryan Melvin.
Randy Parton (1953-2021)
Randy Parton, the eighth child, was born on December 15, 1953. He also pursued a career in music, and went on to be quite successful like his sister. Randy’s songs included “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me” and “Shot Full of Love.”
Randy was married to his wife, Deb, and the two had a daughter named Heidi. He also had a son, Sabyn, from a previous relationship. In January 2021, Randy lost his battle with cancer and died at age 67.
Larry Parton (1955-1955)
Born two years after Randy was Dolly’s younger brother, Larry. Unfortunately, Larry died as an infant just four days after his birth. Dolly was only 9 years old at the time and recalls being heartbroken over his death.
“All things are hard, but that is what makes your memories,” Dolly shared. “That is what makes you who and what you are.”
Floyd Parton (1957-2018)
Floyd Parton was the 9th sibling, born on June 1, 1957. He, too, found success in the music industry, releasing songs like “Waltz Me to Heaven” (1984). He worked with Dolly on a few projects, writing the 1991 duet, “Rockin’ Years.” Dolly’s younger brother died in 2018 at the age of 61.
Freida Parton, 69
Freida Parton is the twin sister of Floyd Parton, also born on June 1, 1957. Freida was yet another singer in the Parton family, performing in a punk band at a young age, venturing far from her country roots.
In 2014, Freida became an ordained minister and opened a joint chapel and antique store in Sevierville, Tennessee. She has a daughter, Jada Star, who is also a singer.
Rachel Ann Parton, 66
The youngest of the Parton siblings is Dolly’s sister, Rachel. Born on August 31, 1959, Rachel also got involved in music and acting, becoming the lead vocalist in her band, Honey Creek, which she started with their brother, Randy.
Soon after, Rachel began an acting career, starring in the sitcom 9 to 5 (1982-1988), which was based on Dolly’s movie and song of the same name. She dropped out of school after eighth grade and decided to join her older sister on the road, where she met her husband, Richard Dennison, who was hired as Dolly’s pianist. The two were together for three years before marrying in 1979. They welcomed their daughter, Hannah. Rachel and Richard eventually divorced and she later married Eric Wilson George.
Rachel and Dolly released a cookbook together in 2024 called Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals.
Copyright 2026 A360 Media
This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 8:30 PM.