Updated: August 26, 2026
Dolly Parton Siblings Oldest to Youngest: Dolly Parton grew up in a crowded one-room cabin in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains with a big, close-knit family that shaped everything she became. Born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Owens Parton, she was one of 12 children—six boys and six girls. Music filled their modest home, and several siblings later stepped into entertainment while others chose quieter paths. Here is the full list of Dolly Parton’s siblings from oldest to youngest, based on the latest available information.
Table of Contents
The Oldest: Willadeene, David, and Coy
Willadeene Parton, born March 24, 1940, is the eldest. She briefly sang gospel with her sisters before becoming the family’s storyteller. Her books, including Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family and a cookbook of traditional recipes, preserve their Appalachian roots. She has long been described as a second mother figure to the younger kids.
David Wilburn Parton followed on March 30, 1942. He worked as a bridge-builder and kept a private life away from the spotlight. He passed away on November 15, 2024, at age 82.
Coy “Denver” Parton arrived August 16, 1943. Like his older brother, he preferred privacy, working as a crane operator who built bridges, a homestead farmer, and an avid hunter. He died on July 23, 2026, at age 82.
Dolly and the Middle Siblings
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19, 1946, the fourth child and the one who became a global country music icon, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She often spoke warmly about growing up in such a large household, calling it crowded but full of love, teasing, and song.
Robert Lee “Bobby” Parton Jr., born February 18, 1948, and named after their father, has largely stayed out of public view.
Stella Parton, born May 4, 1949, built her own successful country music career. She scored a top-ten hit with “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight,” released multiple albums, appeared in family projects, and has written a memoir and cookbooks.
Cassie Nan Parton, born February 12, 1951, sang gospel with her sisters early on and performed at Dollywood. She has generally kept a lower profile in later years.
The Younger Generation and Twins
Randy Parton, born December 15, 1953, performed regularly at Dollywood and released music of his own. He died in January 2021 at age 67 after a battle with cancer.
Larry Parton was born in July 1955 and lived only four days. His short life is remembered in the family story that inspired Dolly’s song and the television movie Coat of Many Colors.
Floyd Parton and his twin sister Freida were born June 1, 1957. Floyd became a talented songwriter who collaborated with Dolly on hits including “Rockin’ Years.” He died in December 2018 at age 61. Freida explored different musical styles, including punk rock in the 1980s, and later became an ordained minister who runs a wedding chapel.
Rachel Parton (now Rachel Parton George), born August 31, 1959, is the youngest. She acted in the television adaptation of 9 to 5, playing the role originated by Dolly on the big screen, and has also performed as a singer.
Quick Reference: Dolly Parton’s Siblings from Oldest to Youngest
| Order | Name | Birth Date | Notes / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willadeene Parton | March 24, 1940 | Author, living |
| 2 | David Wilburn Parton | March 30, 1942 | Died Nov. 15, 2024 |
| 3 | Coy “Denver” Parton | August 16, 1943 | Died July 23, 2026 |
| 4 | Dolly Rebecca Parton | January 19, 1946 | Icon of country music |
| 5 | Robert Lee “Bobby” Parton Jr. | February 18, 1948 | Living, private life |
| 6 | Stella Parton | May 4, 1949 | Singer-songwriter, living |
| 7 | Cassie Nan Parton | February 12, 1951 | Singer, living |
| 8 | Randy Parton | December 15, 1953 | Singer, died 2021 |
| 9 | Larry Parton | July 1955 | Died as infant |
| 10 | Floyd Parton | June 1, 1957 | Songwriter, died 2018 |
| 11 | Freida Parton | June 1, 1957 | Singer, minister, living |
| 12 | Rachel Parton George | August 31, 1959 | Actress & singer, living |
Key points about the Parton siblings:
- Music ran deep in the family—several sisters and brothers performed or wrote songs.
- Some preferred quiet lives in Tennessee construction, farming, or private work.
- As of August 2026, the living siblings include Willadeene, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel.
Conclusion
The Parton siblings’ story is one of resilience, shared roots, and different paths taken from the same modest beginning. From Willadeene’s books that keep family memories alive to the musical contributions of Stella, Floyd, Randy, Freida, and Rachel, each added something unique. Dolly often credited that crowded cabin and the bonds formed there for the heart in her songs and the strength in her career. Their collective journey continues to illustrate how a large, loving family can shape extraordinary lives even when individual roads diverge.