Inside the untold lives of Dolly Parton’s 10 siblings, as sister Frieda pays tribute

Long before global fame, Dolly Parton was one of 11 tight-knit children, her 10 brothers and sisters largely lived quiet lives away from the spotlight.

Following the icon’s passing on August 25 at 80 years old, her younger sister Freida shared a touching tribute, honouring the “Dolly Momma” who helped raise her through her teenage years.

“I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma,” Freida’s Facebook tribute read. “She was the sister who would climb into bed with me when I was little because we were both afraid of the dark.

She went on to reveal that Dolly played a pivotal role in helping raise her in her teenage years.

Dolly was one of 11 siblings born to parents Robert Lee Parton and his wife Avie Lee Parton. First came the eldest Willadeen, 86, David who died in 2024 at 82, Coy, who died in July aged 82, then Dolly, who died aged 80, followed by Bobby, 78, Stella, 77, Cassie, 75, Randy, who died in 2021 aged 67, Larry, who died as a baby in 1955, twins Freida, 69 and Floyd, who died in 2018 aged 61, and finally, Rachel, 66.

Freida continued: “She was the woman who stepped up and became my Momma, raising me from ages 13 to 18. She was the one who tried to convince me to wear her wigs at my shows in Dollywood (sorry, sister, but I definitely didn’t listen to you on that one).”

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“Like all sisters, we definitely had our share of arguments and disagreements throughout the years, but even through all the highs and lows, and all the laughter and tears, I never stopped loving her.”

“I asked you all months ago to pray for Dolly, but now I’m going to ask you to please pray for me and my entire family as we navigate this insurmountable loss.“

”There will never be anyone who can replace her in our hearts, and I know she holds a special place in many of yours as well.”

“I know she would want me to keep going, keep smiling and keep sharing the love she gave so freely with others. That is what I’m going to try to do, even on the days when it feels impossible.”

“I’m working on something very special for all of you in her honor. It’s my way of keeping a little piece of my Dolly Momma with me, while sharing her with all of you who loved her, too.”

“Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us,” she added.

In October 2025, Freida sounded the alarm bells of millions of Dolly Parton fans when she asked her Facebook followers to pray for Dolly, revealing that she was going through an unspecified health struggle.

“I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me,” she wrote at the time, later clarifying that she “didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly.”

Who were Dolly Parton’s 10 siblings?

While the Parton name is known globally, many of Dolly’s siblings lived private normal lives.

Stella Parton is the most well-known sibling aside from Dolly. She built a successful music career as a singer-songwriter in the 1970s, with her biggest hit I Want To Hold You In My Dreams Tonight breaking the Top 10 in 1975.

Rachel Parton George also became a household name after starring in the TV spin-off of 9 to 5. She took over the role of Doralee Rhodes for the show, who was played by Dolly in the iconic movie.

Brother Randy Parton was a singer, songwriter and musician who sung backup for Dolly and often played bass in her band.

The eldest parton sibling, Willadeene Parton stays out of the spotlight, but has written several family memoirs and cookbooks.

David Parton was a construction worker, living a private and normal life before his death in 2024. Robert ‘Bobby’ Lee Parton was also a construction worker but has since retired.

Coy Parton also kept a low profile, working as a heavy machine operator in his youth. He died in July 2026, just over a month before Dolly’s death.

Cassie Parton lived a regular life as a homemaker. She would sing growing up and performed a few times at Dollywood. She also made a Cameo in Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas special alongside her sister Rachel in 2022.

Floyd Parton was a frequent songwriting partner to Dolly. He helped her write hits Rockin’ Years and Nickles and Dimes.

His twin sister, Freida, sang in a punk rock band in the 80s before becoming an ordained minster.