Who Were Dolly’s Parents?

Dolly Parton’s parents, Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton were the heart of her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Avie Lee, a devoted mother of 12, nurtured her children with love and folk songs, sparking Dolly’s musical spirit.

Despite struggling to make ends meet, Robert Lee worked tirelessly as a sharecropper and farmer, often trading goods for essentials. Their resilience shaped Dolly’s work ethic and creativity. Raised in a one-room cabin, Dolly saw her parents’ deep love, hard work, and faith, which became central themes in her music and larger-than-life persona.