Parton Family Genealogy & History

Dolly Parton, born January 19, 1946, is a legendary American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist, renowned for her impact on country music. With a career spanning over 60 years, she has released 49 studio albums, including the 2023 hit Rockstar. Parton is celebrated for her impressive achievements, such as selling over 100 million records worldwide, earning 11 Grammy Awards, and having 25 singles reach No. 1 on the Billboard country charts. Known for iconic songs like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene," she has also excelled in acting, with notable roles in films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.

Dolly Parton was born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, as the fourth of 12 children to Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. Her father, a sharecropper and later a small tobacco farmer, was known for his business acumen despite being illiterate. Her mother, who had Welsh ancestry, influenced Parton's musical abilities through Smoky Mountain folklore and ballads. Parton's maternal grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, and her strong family ties and Appalachian roots have deeply influenced her music and legacy.

Stella Mae Parton, born May 4, 1949, in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a renowned American country singer and songwriter, best known for her 1975 hit "I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight." Her career in country music flourished with several top 20 hits in the late 1970s, and she has continued to release albums, totaling 22 to date. Stella has also shown her versatility as an actress, appearing on television shows like The Porter Wagoner Show and The Dukes of Hazzard, and starring in Broadway musicals. Her contributions to music and entertainment have made her a respected figure in the industry.

Stella Parton was born into a large family as the sixth of 12 children to Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens) and Robert Lee Parton Sr. She is the younger sister of the iconic Dolly Parton and shares her family's musical legacy with siblings like Randy Parton and Rachel Parton George. The Parton family, rooted in Sevierville, Tennessee, has been a significant influence on Stella's musical journey, with her early performances alongside her siblings marking the beginning of her illustrious career.

Randle Huston Parton, known as Randy Parton, was an American country music singer-songwriter, actor, and businessman, born on December 15, 1953, in Sevierville, Tennessee. Notably, he was the first to record the song "Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)" in 1982, which was later made famous by Alabama. He contributed to the "Rhinestone" soundtrack and played bass for his sister, Dolly Parton. Randy managed a theater in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, but faced contractual and financial challenges. Despite controversies, he remained a recognized figure in the entertainment industry until his death from cancer on January 21, 2021.

Randy Parton was the eighth of twelve children born to Avie Lee Caroline Owens and Robert Lee Parton Sr. He was part of a musically gifted family, with siblings including the iconic Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, and former actress Rachel Parton George.

Vernon Rylands Parton was an influential English chess enthusiast and prolific inventor of chess variants. Born on October 2, 1897, Parton is best known for creating unique and imaginative variants such as Alice Chess and Racing Kings. Drawing inspiration from Lewis Carroll's literature and equipped with a mathematics background, Parton introduced a whimsical dimension to chess. His commitment to the game and creativity is evident in his publication of nine monographs from 1961 to 1974. Parton's legacy in the chess world continues, with Alice Chess still attracting enthusiasts and Parton Chess created in his honor in 1974.

Parton's educational journey began at his father's schools, where his father acted as the principal of Cannock Grammar School and a small international boarding school. He later returned to contribute to the family legacy by teaching various subjects, including languages and mathematics. Parton's close family ties are further illustrated by his dedication to his blind uncle, showcasing his nurturing and compassionate nature.