Dolly Parton is exploring and paying homage to her family legacy and her East Tennessee heritage on an upcoming album and a four-part docuseries. Parton, in collaboration with Owepar Entertainment, will release Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables on Nov. 15, 2024.
The album, which could feature up to 40 songs, will spotlight the legacy of the singer’s paternal Parton family, and her mother’s family, the Owens, by tracing the families’ journey from the United Kingdom in the 1600s to their home in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. The album is produced by Parton’s cousin Richie Owens and will feature several members of Parton’s immediate and extended family, and will also include the voices of some of her beloved family members who have passed on, as well as contributions from today’s generation.
Pre-orders for the album will launch June 21, in tandem with the album’s first two instant grat tracks, as well as the revealing of the full track list. The project will be offered on vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming.
Dolly Parton
Also in production is a companion four-part docuseries, which will provide a deep look at the Country Music Hall of Famer’s family’s journey from the United Kingdom to East Tennessee. The docuseries will include interviews with several of Parton’s family members, with a particular focus given to Parton’s grandfather, Reverend Jake Owens, who influenced Parton’s love of music and storytelling, respect for faith and more. The docuseries also features concert performances filmed at Knoxville’s historic Bijou Theater, featuring Parton and other family members featured on the record.
“I cannot believe that it has been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Parton said in a statement. “My Uncle Bill Owens 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.”
In 1967, Parton and her uncles Bill Owens and Louis Owens founded Owepar to administer their songwriting business. The company has published songs recorded by artists including Porter Wagoner, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Olivia Newton-John. In 1972, Owepar acquired two Music Row-area properties in Nashville which housed their offices and a recording facility, with Fireside Studios opening in March 1973. Owepar Entertainment was active as a publishing company until 1981 and relaunched in 2019; the company handles a collection of legacy recordings and publishes songs from artists including Parton’s cousin Richie Owens and niece Jada Star.
