Reported by Rick Egusquiza.
As the fourth of 12 children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly Parton found her strength, inspiration, and joy within the bonds of her family. Raised in a tight-knit household, Dolly leaned on her siblings, parents, and extended relatives for love, support, and companionship. Now, at 78 years old, she’s giving back to her family in a big way by showcasing their influence through a series of heartfelt projects. “My uncle Bill Owens was a guiding force in my life for many years,” Dolly reflects. “He helped shape my music and career, and I owe so much to him, as well as all the family members—past and present—who have inspired me along this incredible journey.”
Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables is both an album and docuseries set to release in November. This project traces Dolly’s rich family history, beginning in Great Britain in the 1600s and culminating in Sevier County, Tennessee. It celebrates the musical talents inherited by her family over generations. “Dolly is getting older, and she’ll tell you herself, but as we near the end of our lives, we start thinking more about our roots and legacy,” says a close friend of the star. “She wanted to pay tribute to her beginnings and the people who’ve inspired her throughout her career. Without them, she wouldn’t be where she is today.”
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Among those Dolly honors most deeply is her late uncle, Bill Owens, a musician and songwriter who passed away in 2021. “Uncle Bill was instrumental in my early days,” Dolly shares. “He drove me to Nashville countless times, knocking on doors to get me signed with labels or publishing companies. He believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself.” Bill’s music, recorded by legends like Loretta Lynn, Porter Wagoner, Ricky Skaggs, and Kris Kristofferson, lives on through this new album, produced by Dolly’s cousin Richie Owens. “The album will feature recordings of family members, both living and those who’ve passed,” explains a friend. “While it may not include famous country stars, they’ll likely make appearances in the docuseries.”
In September, Dolly is also releasing a cookbook with her sister Rachel Parton George, titled Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals. “I adore good food, but nothing compares to the love I have for my sister Rachel,” Dolly says. “Combining our shared passion for cooking with our bond was an absolute delight.” The cookbook is filled with cherished family recipes, classic American dishes, and entertaining tips. “Rachel is our family’s star chef,” notes a friend. “Dolly is incredibly close to her, which is why she’s so excited to collaborate on this project.”
Exploring Dolly Parton’s Deep Family Roots
When Dolly Parton first broke through as a songwriter, performer, and 11-time Grammy winner, she never forgot her roots. In the 1970s, during her self-titled variety show, she proudly invited her parents and siblings to be her first guests. “These are the people who shaped me—the brothers and sisters behind me, and the two amazing individuals responsible for all of us: my mom and dad,” she told her audience. Dolly’s rise to fame didn’t create distance; instead, it brought her family even closer together. Over the years, her relatives have played vital roles in her career, working in her staff, performing in her band, and contributing to Dollywood. “No one truly knows the extent of Dolly’s financial support for her family because she prefers not to talk about it,” confides a friend. “She simply believes that her blessings belong to her family too. Let’s just say, she’s incredibly generous.”
For Dolly, honoring her past is about keeping her family’s legacy alive for future generations. “When I started achieving success, I promised myself that if I ever made it big, I’d bring something back to my hometown,” Dolly explains. “I wanted to create opportunities for others, providing jobs and resources for the people I grew up with.” Through her music, her theme park, and her various ventures, Dolly continues to celebrate the community and family that shaped her into the icon she is today.
