From a Tennessee Mountain Cabin to World-Famous Icon
Dolly Parton’s rise from a simple mountain cabin in East Tennessee to a beloved global superstar is a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. At the heart of her story are her parents, Robert Lee “Lee” Parton and Avie Lee Parton, whose devotion shaped every chapter of her life.
Humble Beginnings and Lasting Bonds
Robert Lee Parton (born March 22, 1921, in Sevierville, Tennessee) and Avie Lee Owens (born October 5, 1923, in Lockhart, South Carolina) married in 1939—he was just 17 and she only 15. Together, they welcomed twelve children into their rustic home nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Their fourth child, Dolly Rebecca Parton, arrived in 1946 and quickly became the bright star of their growing family.
Life Rich in Music, Stories, and Faith
With Lee working as a sharecropper and taking construction jobs, and Avie Lee turning meager resources into a warm, imaginative home, the Partons had little in material wealth but an abundance of music, storytelling, and spirituality. These early influences planted the seeds of Dolly’s extraordinary creativity and compassion.
A Christmas Gift That Warmed Hearts
Recounting a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1990, Dolly recalled how her siblings agreed to forgo presents so their father could buy Avie Lee her first wedding ring. “That was one of the best Christmases we ever had,” Dolly shared, “because we saw Mama so happy.” This simple act of kindness perfectly reflected the Parton household’s spirit.
“Rich in Things Money Can’t Buy”
Though Dolly often describes her childhood as “dirt poor,” she insists the family never felt deprived. “We were rich in things money can’t buy — love, kindness, understanding,” she has said, highlighting the invaluable gifts her parents gave her.
Theirs Was a Partnership of Talent and Tenacity
Avie Lee’s musical ability—singing and playing guitar—combined with her gift for spinning folktales, sparked Dolly’s imagination from an early age. Lee’s unwavering work ethic and pragmatism left an equally strong mark. Despite being unable to read or write, he was “the smartest man I ever knew,” according to Dolly.
A Legacy of Giving: The Imagination Library
Inspired by her father’s love of learning, Dolly founded the Imagination Library, which has since gifted over 200 million books to children around the world. Lee took pride in the project, even helping mail those very first volumes.
Honoring Their Memory at Dollywood
Lee passed away in 2000 and Avie Lee in 2003, but their influence endures. At Dollywood, visitors can explore a faithful recreation of the Parton cabin and encounters that celebrate Appalachian heritage—tangible reminders of the values that guided Dolly Parton’s life and career.
A Daughter’s Heartfelt Tribute
“Everything I am, I owe to my parents,” Dolly has reflected. “They taught me that faith, family, and music are the most important things in life.” Through her songs, her philanthropy, and her theme park, Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton live on as the loving architects behind a legend.