Dolly Parton continues to evolve as an artist, delivering heartfelt projects that celebrate her roots and personal history. Following her 2023 rock album Rockstar, the global icon and East Tennessee native takes a deeply personal turn with her latest release, Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables. The album, which debuted on November 15, 2023, serves as a tribute to her family’s influence on her life and music, while also tracing their legacy back through generations.
A Milestone Year for Parton
“This month marks 60 years since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Parton shared in a statement. Reflecting on her journey, she credited her late Uncle Bill Owens as a key figure in her early success. “My Uncle Bill 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.”
Owens’ contributions to Parton’s career were significant. He helped secure her first job on the Cas Walker Show and co-wrote her first hit song, “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” which became a top 10 hit for Bill Phillips in 1966. Together, they also established the music publishing company Owe-Par in the 1960s, a foundation for Parton’s illustrious songwriting career.
A Multi-Generational Project
Smoky Mountain DNA is a deeply collaborative effort, featuring over three dozen songs and contributions from many of Parton’s immediate and extended family members. The project highlights their shared love for storytelling and music, weaving together a tapestry of family history and personal reflection.
Parton’s cousin, Richie Owens, produced the album, ensuring it remained a family affair from concept to execution.
Her niece, Heidi Parton, lends her voice to the song “A Rose Won’t Fix It.”
Sister Stella Parton appears on “Heart Don’t Fail Me Now.”
One particularly poignant moment comes on the track “Rosewood Casket,” where the voice of Parton’s late mother, Avie Lee Parton, is featured.
Tracing Generations of History
The album delves into Parton’s family history, exploring both her paternal lineage and her mother’s family, the Owens. The narrative extends back to the 1600s, chronicling the family’s migration from the United Kingdom to the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Parton’s deep connection to her East Tennessee roots has been a hallmark of her career, and this album furthers her mission of preserving the cultural and musical traditions that shaped her upbringing. The songs capture not only the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors but also the enduring values of faith, family, and resilience.
A Personal Celebration of Heritage
For Parton, Smoky Mountain DNA is more than an album—it’s a love letter to the people and places that defined her. The project reflects her gratitude for the unwavering support of her family, their shared experiences, and the legacy they’ve built together.
“I am so proud to celebrate the history, love, and music that runs through my veins,” Parton said. With her signature warmth and authenticity, she invites fans to join her on a journey through her family’s stories, blending past and present into an album that feels timeless.
As fans listen to Smoky Mountain DNA, they’ll hear not just Dolly Parton’s voice but the echoes of generations that came before her—a tribute to the enduring power of family, faith, and music.
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