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American Sweetheart Dolly Parton Shifts Priorities, Acknowledges Less-Known Reality

Dolly Parton with voluminous hair, wearing a bright red top, sits on a couch smiling and holding a cellphone to her ear. Behind her, there are pink flowers and lush greenery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Credit: Disney

After a whirlwind of recent announcements and rumors regarding her career, Dolly Parton seems to be focusing more on family in more ways than one.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has made a name for herself in the music industry. Her name is synonymous with excellence, grace, and success in country music.

Dolly Rebecca Parton, the renowned country music legend, entered the world on January 19, 1946, in the picturesque landscapes of East Tennessee, a place that would forever shape her life and career. Born to Avie Lee Owens (1923–2003) and Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000), Dolly was the fourth child among a bustling brood of twelve siblings.

Dolly Parton

Music legend Dolly Parton / Credit: Crackle

The family dynamic instilled in her a deep sense of camaraderie and resilience from an early age. Throughout her illustrious career, Dolly Parton has often paid homage to her mother, crediting her not only for her unwavering support but also for nurturing and fostering her innate musical talents that would eventually catapult her to international stardom.

Parton’s humble beginnings in East Tennessee laid the groundwork for her extraordinary journey in the world of music and entertainment, setting the stage for the emergence of an iconic figure beloved by fans worldwide.

Reportedly, Avie Lee Owens, who was often in poor health, still managed to keep house and entertain her children with Smoky Mountain folklore and ancient ballads.

Now, American treasure Dolly Parton has confirmed a less-known reality about her heritage and family.

 

Parton recently proclaimed that her touring days are over, but while she’s slowing down in some ways, she’s continuing to work on her career.

As reported by NME Music, the country music legend celebrates Welsh ancestry. Jada Star, the singer’s niece,  told The Sun that Parton had traced her ancestry to the Welsh valleys and planned to visit the country for an upcoming TV special set to air next year.

The anticipation surrounding this television project has further fueled curiosity among audiences and fans, who are keen to uncover the intricate ties that bind Parton to her Welsh lineage and the rich singing tradition that might have influenced her illustrious career in music.

The announcement not only showcases the depth of Parton’s connection to her Welsh roots but also highlights the universal appeal and enduring charm of exploring one’s familial origins, a sentiment that transcends borders and generations.

“Some of my mother’s people, the Owens, are from there (Wales),” the country singer told Wales Online (via BBC News). “I’ve been there about three times and it always feels good because it feels like family.”

Meanwhile, Dolly Parton will be part of a “multimedia symphonic story-telling experience” that’s set to hit the road in 2025. The experience will feature “her music performed in concert, with orchestral renditions and Parton participating via appearances on a big screen.”

“I’m just so excited to share my songs and the stories behind them in this beautiful new way,” Parton said in a statement. “‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’ is like a journey through the heartstrings of my life. I hope we can take it far and wide to symphony orchestras everywhere.”

Stay tuned to Disney Dining for the latest news on this story! 

About Priyanka Kumar

Priyanka is a writer, artist, avid reader, and travel enthusiast based in Chicago. In her free time, she is probably walking by the lake, catching up on the latest releases on TV, or spending inordinate amounts of time rewatching Moana, Encanto, and her Disney Channel life-long favorites Zack and Cody wreak havoc on the Tipton.