JUST IN: Dolly Parton Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of Her Father for Father’s Day — What She Said Brought Fans to Tears…
Dolly Parton’s journey from a humble mountain cabin in East Tennessee to international superstardom is a story deeply rooted in love, faith, and family — especially the unwavering influence of her parents, Robert Lee “Lee” Parton and Avie Lee Parton.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1038x638:1040x640)/dolly-parton-parents-1-de8c791be0354796afddb13ac19cc02d.jpg)
Robert Lee Parton, born on March 22, 1921, in Sevierville, Tennessee, and Avie Lee Owens, born on October 5, 1923, in Lockhart, South Carolina, married in 1939 when he was 17 and she was only 15. Together, they would go on to raise 12 children in the Great Smoky Mountains, including their fourth-born, Dolly Rebecca Parton, who arrived in 1946.
Lee worked as a sharecropper and took on construction jobs to make ends meet, while Avie Lee devoted herself to the household, often creating a warm and imaginative home out of very little. Though the Parton family was poor in material wealth, they were rich in music, storytelling, and faith—elements that would go on to define Dolly’s voice and legacy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(979x0:981x2)/dolly-parton-parents-6-c641f112384e40e9a29c57de36f5ce56.jpg)
In a 1990 appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Dolly recalled a cherished Christmas memory when all the children agreed to go without presents so their father could buy Avie Lee a wedding ring—her first. That simple but powerful act of love encapsulates the spirit of the Parton household. “That was one of the best Christmases we ever had,” Dolly reflected, “because we got to see Mama happy.”
Despite growing up in what she describes as “dirt poor” conditions, Dolly has often said they never felt impoverished:
“We were rich in things money can’t buy — love, kindness, understanding.”
Both Lee and Avie Lee were instrumental in shaping Dolly’s identity and success. Her mother’s musical talents and storytelling gift were foundational; Avie Lee sang and played guitar and often told folktales that sparked Dolly’s imagination. Meanwhile, Lee’s pragmatism and work ethic made a lasting impression on his daughter. Dolly once shared that her father couldn’t read or write, yet he was the smartest man she ever knew.
Her father also inspired one of her greatest charitable endeavors: The Imagination Library, which to date has donated over 200 million books to children globally. Dolly says Lee was most proud of that initiative, even helping her mail out the early books in the program.
Both of Dolly’s parents passed in the early 2000s — Lee in 2000, Avie Lee in 2003 — but their presence is still deeply felt. They are honored through countless songs, stories, and especially at Dollywood, where tributes to her family’s Appalachian roots are found throughout the park. From the recreated log cabin home to exhibits about her upbringing, visitors are given a heartfelt glimpse into the people and values that shaped Dolly.
As she once said:
“Everything I am, I owe to my parents. They taught me that faith, family, and music are the most important things in life.”
Dolly Parton’s love for her parents is more than nostalgia — it is a living tribute. Through her music, philanthropy, and legacy, Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton live on, not only as the parents of a country icon, but as the quiet architects of a life that has touched millions.
News
Why Did Reba McEntire’s Son, Shelby Blackstock, Suddenly Step Away From The Spotlight? The Shocking Decision That No One Saw Coming!
Reba McEntire’s Unbreakable Family Bond: How She Supports Shelby Through Racing Struggles When it comes to family, Reba McEntire is…
Reba McEntire’s Family Secrets: Is She Hiding A Major Truth About Her Past Marriage? You’ll Be Stunned By What’s Been Kept Under Wraps!
Reba McEntire’s Son Shelby Blackstock: The Racing Star Who Took a Different Road from His Country Music Legend Mom When…
Is Reba McEntire Truly Happy After Her Divorce? The Heart-Wrenching Family Story You’ve Never Heard Before — And It’s Far From Over!
Reba McEntire’s Love Life: A Journey Through Two Marriages, Heartbreak, and New Beginnings Reba McEntire is a name synonymous with…
Did You Know Reba McEntire Has Lost Something Major in Her Life? The Hidden Family Secrets That Are Still Being Concealed — What’s Really Going On?
Reba McEntire’s Brother Pake McEntire: The Untold Story of the Country Star’s Sibling Who Almost Made It Reba McEntire is…
The Hidden Truths About Reba McEntire’s Family: What’s Really Going On Behind The Scenes? You Won’t Believe The Shocking Revelations!
Reba McEntire: How Her Parents Shaped the Queen of Country’s Legendary Career When we think of Reba McEntire, the first…
On a February night in 2022, at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Shelby Blackstock – Reba McEntire’s only son – held a fairytale wedding with Marissa Branch, her longtime partner. They exchanged vows under the sparkling lights of Cinderella’s Castle, when the park was closed, creating a romantic and private space. The ceremony continued at Epcot, where the couple had memorable memories, including a fireworks display. In particular, Reba McEntire surprised everyone by performing the song “”Fancy”” at the party, a meaningful spiritual gift for her son and daughter-in-law. Marissa shared that Disney is not only where they met, but also a place to preserve deep family memories. She remembered her grandmother, who used to work at Disney and loved the Small World ride, where she and Shelby paid tribute to her on their first visit after her death. Three years later, in In 2025, the couple celebrated their third wedding anniversary with sweet photos of the place where their love story began. Could this fairytale wedding mark the beginning of a new chapter in Shelby and Marissa’s journey? Let’s find out more about this inspiring love story.
Reba McEntire’s Son Shelby Had a Spectacular Fairytale Wedding at Disney World In February 2022, Shelby Blackstock, the son of…
End of content
No more pages to load
