In 2023, Dolly Parton released her first rock music album, Rockstarteaming with a lengthy list of luminaries including Elton John and Paul McCartney. On her latest album (out Nov. 15), the globally-known artist and East Tennessee native delivers one of her most intimate projects yet, working with members of her family to celebrate their familial legacy and Tennessee roots on the new album Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables.
“I cannot believe that it has been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Parton said in a statement. “My Uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years helping me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along this journey. I am honored to spotlight our families’ musical legacy that is my Smoky Mountain DNA.”
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Parton’s family has been an integral part of her success through the years. Owens helped Parton get her first job on the local Cas Walker Showand supported Parton throughout her career. Owens and Parton also started their own music publishing company, Owe-Par, in the 1960s. Parton and Owens co-wrote “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” which became a top 10 Billboard Hot Country Singles chart hit for Bill Phillips in 1966 (Owens also wrote songs for other artists including Loretta Lynn and Porter Wagoner).
The new album delves into both Parton’s paternal family, and also her mother’s family, the Owens, chronicling the family’s journey from the United Kingdom in the 1600s to their home in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.
Parton’s cousin Richie Owens produced the album, which includes over three dozen songs, featuring many members of Parton’s immediate and extended family, resulting in a multi-generational project.
Among them, Parton’s niece Heidi Parton joins on the song “A Rose Won’t Fix It,” while the voice of Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Parton, is heard on “Rosewood Casket.” Parton’s sister Stella joins on “Heart Don’t Fail Me Now.”
Listen to Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables below:
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