Avie Lee Parton: Remembering Dolly's Mother & Musical Influence
Could the roots of a country music icon's artistry be traced back to the unwavering strength and melodious voice of her mother? Avie Lee Owens Parton, a woman of humble beginnings in South Carolina, left an indelible mark on her daughter, Dolly Parton, and the world.
Avie Lee's life, a tapestry woven with threads of faith, family, and music, provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins of a musical legacy. Born on October 5, 1923, in Lockhart, South Carolina, she was raised in a cotton-farming community and was the daughter of a preacher. This upbringing instilled in her a deep-seated resilience and a connection to the storytelling power of music. Her marriage to Robert Lee Parton in 1939, when she was just sixteen years old, marked the beginning of a long and loving partnership that would eventually nurture a family of twelve children. The Parton family grew up in the Appalachia region, and the influence of their upbringing would later reflect in Dolly Parton's work.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avie Lee Caroline Owens Parton |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Lockhart, South Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | December 5, 2003 |
| Place of Death | Sevierville, Tennessee, USA |
| Parents | Jacob Robert Owens and Rena Kansas Valentine |
| Spouse | Robert Lee Parton Sr. |
| Children | Willadeene, David, Coy, Dolly, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Randel, Larry, Estel, Freida, and Rachel. |
| Known For | Mother of Dolly Parton; Gospel singer, and first musical influence of Dolly Parton. |
| Musical Career | Released two albums of her own in 1990 called "Smoky Mountain Mama"; performed with her daughters Stella and Willadeene as The Parton Family |
| Additional Information | Married Robert Lee Parton in 1939, raised her 12 children in Sevier County, Tennessee. Often credited as Dolly Parton's first musical influence. |
| Reference | Find a Grave |
Avie Lee's musicality wasn't confined to her role as a mother; she possessed a talent that resonated within her family. Like her daughter, she could sing and play guitar. Her musical influence on Dolly Parton is undeniable, with many crediting her as the first musical influence on her daughter. During the 1960s, Avie performed as a gospel group with her daughters, Stella and Willadeene as The Parton Family. She even released two albums in 1990 titled "Smoky Mountain Mama." This demonstrates her dedication to sharing her gift with the world.
The familys move to Sevier County, Tennessee, provided the backdrop for a life rooted in shared experiences and a deep connection to the land. Robert Lee, or "Lee" as he was known, came from a long line of farmers, and the familys experiences shaped their outlook on life. Avie Lee's early exposure to a preacher's life, where she learned to make the best of what she had, came in handy as a mother and wife.
The echoes of Avie Lee's voice are evident in Dolly Parton's music. It's a legacy passed down through generations, a testament to the power of family, faith, and the enduring beauty of Appalachian culture. The familys ninth child, a son named Larry, died just four days after his birth in July 1955. His death is the subject of Dollys 2015 movie, Coat of Many Colors
In 1975, Dolly Parton's career reached new heights with the release of "The Bargain Store," which topped the U.S. country singles charts, marking her fifth consecutive No. 1 single. In that same year, Avie Lee Parton wrote to Dollys fans expressing her daughters love of shoes and her generous spirit, revealing a glimpse into the bond between mother and daughter.
The impact of Avie Lees influence went beyond the family, as Cassie Parton Griffith made her first recording at the age of 10 with her sisters Dolly and Stella, demonstrating the family's shared passion for music. Songs like Mommas Special Touch are written by Avie Lee Parton.
In 2020, in an interview with USA Today, Dolly Parton shared that her parents, Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton, tied the knot when they were teenagers and went on to have 12 children. These are only some of the examples, Dolly Parton's mothers influence is present throughout her career and life.
Avie Lee Partons legacy continues to inspire. She embodied the strength and spirit of the women who shaped the heart of country music, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and an undeniable influence on the woman who would become a global icon. Her story is a reminder of the powerful bonds of family and the enduring power of the human spirit.
