Dolly Parton explores and pays tribute to her family and East Tennessee heritage in an upcoming album and four-part documentary. Parton, in association with Owepar Entertainment, will release Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables on November 15, 2024.
The album, which could feature up to 40 songs, will highlight the heritage of singer Parton's paternal family and her mother's Owens family, tracing the families' journey from the UK in the 1600s to their home in the East Tennessee's Great. Smoky Mountains. The album was produced by Parton's cousin Richie Owens and will feature many members of Parton's immediate and extended family and will also feature the voices of some of her favorite family members who have passed on, as well as contributions from the current generation.
Pre-orders for the album will begin on June 21, alongside the first two free tracks from the album, as well as the reveal of the full tracklist. The project will be offered on vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming.
Dolly Parton
Courtesy photo
Also in production is an accompanying four-part documentary that will take an in-depth look at the Country Music Hall of Famer's family's journey from the UK to East Tennessee. The documentaries will include interviews with several members of Parton's family, with a special focus on Parton's grandfather, Reverend Jake Owens, who influenced Parton's love of music and storytelling, respect for faith and more. The documentary also includes concert performances filmed at Knoxville's historic Bijou Theater, with Parton and other family members appearing on the disc.
“I can't believe it's 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 and helped me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present for inspiring me on this journey. It is an honor to showcase our families musical heritage that is my Smoky Mountain DNA.”
In 1967, Parton and her uncles Bill Owens and Louis Owens founded Owepar to manage their songwriting business. The label has released songs recorded by artists such as Porter Wagoner, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Olivia Newton-John. In 1972, Owepar acquired two properties on Music Row in Nashville that housed their offices and a recording studio, with Fireside Studios opening in March 1973. Owepar Entertainment operated as a publishing company until 1981 and relaunched in 2019. the label manages a legacy recording collection and publishes songs by artists including Parton's cousin Richie Owens and her niece Jada Starr.
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