Stella Parton is a country singer and songwriter who has released 39 albums and 32 chart singles in her career. She is also the younger sister of country music legend Dolly Parton. But how are they related and what is their relationship like?
The Parton Family
Stella and Dolly are two of 12 children born to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton Sr. in Sevierville, Tennessee. They grew up in a poor but musical family, and both showed talent and interest in singing from a young age. Stella and Dolly appeared on a local television program when Stella was seven, and two years later she debuted on radio. Stella and her sisters Willadeene and Cassie also formed a gospel group and made commercials around East Tennessee.
The Music Career
Stella moved to Nashville in 1967 to pursue a career in country music, but she did not want to rely on her sister’s fame or help. She said, “I’ve never been on her coattails. I love her too much to do that.” ² She started her own record label, Soul, Country and Blues, in 1975 and released her first solo album, I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight. The title track was a top ten hit on the country charts, and earned her a deal with Elektra Records. She had more success with songs like “The Danger of a Stranger”, “Four Little Letters”, “Standard Lie Number One” and “Steady as the Rain”. She also recorded duets with Carmol Taylor and Kin Vassey, and performed on the soundtrack of the movie Rhinestone, starring Dolly.
Stella continued to record for various independent labels after leaving Elektra in 1980, and released 22 albums to date. Her latest album, Survivor, came out in 2019 and featured original songs as well as covers of “Wake Me Up” by Avicii and “Like a Rock” by Bob Seger. She also released a DVD, Live in Nashville, of footage from a 1990 concert.
The Sister Rivalry
Despite their shared love for music, Stella and Dolly have faced rumors of rivalry, feuds and jealousy over the years. Some speculated that Stella was overshadowed by Dolly’s success and fame, or that Dolly was threatened by Stella’s talent and ambition. Stella admitted that their relationship was not always easy, especially when they were younger. She said, “We were very competitive as children because we were so close together in age… We had our moments where we didn’t get along.”
However, Stella also insisted that they have always loved and supported each other, and that their relationship has improved over time. She said, “We’re very close now… We’ve grown up a lot.” She added that she is proud of her sister’s achievements and that she does not resent her for anything. She said, “I don’t think anybody could ever be jealous of Dolly because she’s so generous… She’s always been good to me.”
Stella also said that she does not compare herself to Dolly or anyone else, and that she is happy with her own life and career. She said, “I’m very content with who I am… I’ve always done my own thing.”
The Conclusion
Stella Parton is related to Dolly Parton by blood and by music. They are sisters who have both made their mark on the country music scene with their own styles and voices. They have also faced challenges and struggles in their personal and professional lives, but they have overcome them with courage and grace. They have had their differences and disagreements, but they have also had their moments of love and harmony. They are survivors who have stayed true to themselves and to each other.
