Meet Dolly Parton’s musical niece, Heidi Parton – who appears on the country star’s new album and works at Dollywood
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Dolly Parton, 78, is diving deep into her roots with a new album launch this November, featuring 37 tracks that trace her family’s journey from the UK to Tennessee. According to People, the album, Dolly Parton and Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith and Fables, includes collaborations with several relatives.
On August 23, she released “A Rose Won’t Fix It” – a song initially meant for a 1988 album – with niece Heidi Parton, 36, on lead vocals. Heidi shared her excitement on Instagram, calling it one of the greatest moments of her life. But Heidi’s not new to the business – she’s been making her own mark in the industry for some time now.
Her roots in showbiz go deep. According to Dolly’s website, Heidi’s father Randy Parton – Dolly’s younger brother – was a musician too, performing until his passing in 2021. Heidi, along with her brother Sabyn, grew up surrounded by music.
What does Heidi Parton do for work?
Heidi Parton once sang one of Dolly Parton’s Christmas tracks
Dolly and Heidi teamed up for a festive collaboration on Dolly’s 2020 Christmas album A Holly Dolly Christmas. Heidi and her father added their voices to the track “You Are My Christmas”. In an exclusive chat on DollyParton.com’s The Front Porch blog, Heidi shared her excitement about being part of Dolly’s first Christmas album in three decades, and the joy she felt recording with both Dolly and her dad.
She dropped her first solo album in 2017
Heidi began working on her debut album, This Kind of Love, in 2012, but put it on hold after completing several songs. According to KnoxNews, she resumed work in early 2017, only to pause again after the tragic death of her sister, Tever Parton, in March that year.
Despite the tragedy, Heidi felt her sister guiding her to finish the album. Heidi collaborated with her father Randy Parton and Jimmy Bryant to adapt her live performance style to the studio. The album, released later in 2017, blends covers and original songs, including a touching rendition of Dolly’s Think About Love.
She stars in Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends at Dollywood
In May, The Dolly Parton Experience opened at Dollywood, attracting fans eager to explore Dolly’s journey from her roots in Locust Ridge to stardom. According to Interpark, the day also marked the debut of the show Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends at Dreamsong Theater, with Dolly making a surprise appearance to support her niece.
