Dolly Parton cherishes her family above all.
The iconic country artist hails from a large family in Tennessee and carries the wisdom of her late mother, Avie Lee Parton, in her heart.
<pIn a May 2025 interview with Today.com, Dolly shared that one of her mother’s favorite sayings was: “To thine own self be true,” a quote from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.
“That phrase holds a lot of depth for me,” she remarked. “I’ve always tried to remain true to myself. Whenever anyone seeks my advice, that’s the essence of what I aim to convey to them.”
The youngest of 12, Dolly was raised in a family that laid great emphasis on music.
“Singing felt as natural as breathing in our household,” her sister Rachel reminisced in a 1982 interview with People, mentioning how the family would compose songs and gather to sing them after dinner.
Though some family members have passed on, including her spouse, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025, Dolly is still surrounded by many of her siblings.
Continue reading for a closer look at Dolly’s family structure:
Avie Lee Parton and Robert Lee Parton Sr.
Dolly grew up near the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee, where her parents raised her and her siblings. Her father was a sharecropper working in the mountains, while her mother primarily focused on caring for their large family.
Willadeene Parton
The oldest sibling, Willadeene, was born in March 1940, and forged a career as a writer after making a name for herself in music, publishing a family memoir in 1996.
“She’s 85 and thriving!” said Dolly’s sister Freida in an August 2025 Facebook post. “Her talent is endless. She’s a lovely cook and a devoted mother and sister with an incredibly generous heart. She reminds me so much of our mother.”
David Parton
Dolly’s older brother, born in March 1942, preferred to stay away from the limelight during his life. He passed away at the age of 82 in November 2024.
Coy Parton
Coy, born in August 1943, diverged from his family’s path, choosing to live outside of public attention.
Robert Lee Parton Jr.
Born in February 1948, he also led a private life away from the fame.
Stella Parton
Born in May 1949, Stella also pursued music like others in her family. She enjoyed success in the country music scene during the 1970s and has authored several books, including a memoir and cookbooks.
Stella has one son with her ex-husband Marvin Carrol Rauhuff and was previously married to Steven Messer from 1988 to 1991.
Cassie Parton
Born in February 1951, Cassie also pursued music. Although she chose not to make it her profession, she frequently collaborated with her sister Dolly on various ventures.
Randy Parton
Born in December 1953, Randy enjoyed a fruitful career in country music until his passing at 67 in January 2021 following a battle with cancer.
Larry Parton
Dolly has often spoken about her brother Larry, who tragically passed away just four days after his birth in July 1955. Her 2015 film Coat of Many Colors addressed his story.
In her memoir, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, she recounted her mother’s foreknowledge of Larry’s passing: “She told Daddy that my unborn brother, Larry, would not survive… The angels that had spared her had called little Larry to join them.”
Floyd and Freida Parton
Fraternal twins Freida and Floyd, born in June 1957, each had a unique journey. Floyd was a musician who often collaborated with Dolly and passed away at age 61 in December 2018.
Freida ventured into music briefly before transitioning to a career as an ordained minister, where she opened a chapel and antiques shop in Tennessee. She became notable in October 2025 when she requested prayers for Dolly during a health scare, which Dolly later addressed, clarifying that she was indeed on the mend.
Rachel Parton George
As the youngest sister, Rachel was born in August 1959. Initially a singer, she transitioned to acting and co-authored a cookbook with Dolly in 2024.
Carl Dean
Although Dolly never had children, she was married to Carl Dean for over 60 years until his passing in 2025.
“The years Carl and I shared were incredible,” Dolly expressed on social media following his death. “It’s hard to articulate the love we had. I appreciate all your prayers and condolences.”
