Dolly Parton | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Parton, Dolly Parton’s sister, adopted her first husband’s last name to avoid constant comparisons with her renowned sibling. She used to join her older sister on tours and worked as her makeup artist. But despite working diligently, hoping to become famous, Rachel retired from acting and singing in the 90s.
Dolly Parton is a legendary singer and songwriter known for her immense talent and iconic contributions to country music. Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, U.S., she rose to fame in the 1960s and has become one of the most influential and successful artists in the music industry.
Dolly Parton photographed in California, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images
With her distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating performances, Dolly has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Because of her numerous chart-topping hits and awards, she’s celebrated for her outstanding contributions to music, philanthropy, and successful business ventures, solidifying her status as an enduring cultural icon.
The legendary country singer grew up in rural Tennessee with her 11 siblings, six brothers and five sisters: Willadeene, David, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd, and the twins Freida and Rachel. Their family
faced poverty
and challenging living conditions, residing in a one-room shack near the Smoky Mountains.
Dolly Parton, circa 1977 | Source: Getty Images
In a
candid interview
in 1978, Dolly shared the hardships they endured, revealing that the kids would sleep three or four in a bed, and she often woke up to find them peeing on her. Despite these difficulties, music played a significant role in their lives, as their musically gifted mother and extended family sparked a shared love for music among the siblings.
Dolly Parton at the Fourth Annual American Music Awards on January 31, 1977, in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
The Parton siblings would spend time together creating songs, with their mother transcribing the tunes, leading to joyful sing-alongs after supper. Their enduring bond kept them close, even in adulthood, as they reunited to celebrate special moments and shared memories.
Dolly Parton, circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
How Dolly’s Younger Sister Worked Hard to Become Famous
In the past, Rachel, Dolly’s younger sister, embarked on a journey for fame and success by following in her older sibling’s footsteps. With her strikingly similar sugar-candy blond hair, silvery shivers in her singing voice, and a sunny disposition tinged with Hee-Haw naughtiness, Rachel’s resemblance to her celebrated sister was breathtaking.
As the youngest of 12 kids in the Parton household, Rachel’s love for music was ingrained from an early age. She and her siblings spent their days concocting songs, often playing on the seesaw outside their six-room house.
Dolly Parton and others on the “Dolly” set in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Her passion for makeup set her apart even as a child, and she became the only first-grader routinely powdering and rouging her face. Leaving school after the eighth grade, Rachel’s journey as a singer and makeup professional began when she started touring with her big sister Dolly.
Back then she worked as the star’s makeup artist while singing backup for several years. At 15, her life took a new turn when she spotted Richard Dennison, a new piano man at one of her performances, and knew he was the one for her.
Dolly Parton on the “Dolly” set in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel and Richard tied the knot when she was just 18, before embarking on a life of music, love, and dedication to their dreams. At 22, Richard’s wife found herself stepping into the spotlight as she re-created Dolly’s movie role starring as Doralee Rhodes in ABC’s sitcom spin-off of “9 to 5.”
Despite possessing many of the same qualities that made her sister famous, Rachel was aware of the inevitable comparisons that would come her way. Nevertheless, she embraced the challenge with determination and a strong work ethic.
Rachel Dennison at the press conference for “Nine to Five” on March 24, 1982, in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images
Standing three inches taller than her sister,
Rachel weighed
“a hundred and plenty” pounds, setting her apart physically. However, she worked diligently to prove herself, knowing that the inevitable comparisons between her and her famous sibling would come.
Her showbiz opportunity was serendipitous, as it was not Dolly but Jane Fonda, her sister’s co-star and executive co-producer of “9 to 5,” who discovered her talent. During a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, Jane witnessed Rachel expertly applying her sister’s makeup for a performance.
Rachel Dennison at the ABC Television Fall Party on September 15, 1983, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Impressed by her skills and potential, Jane decided to bring her to Hollywood to audition for the sitcom role. The decision to cast Rachel was met with curiosity and intrigue from the entertainment industry, as everyone wanted to know more about this talented Parton sibling.
Traditional and deeply religious, Rachel had initially envisioned a life of raising a family and keeping house with her Richard, a backup singer in Dolly’s band. The couple had already started remodeling their four-bedroom house on six acres in Franklin, Tennessee, decorating it in Early American style.
Dolly Parton and Rachel Dennison at the 1983 Carousel of Hope Ball to Benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes on October 8, 1983, in Denver, Colorado | Source: Getty Images
However, when presented with the opportunity to pursue her dreams, Dolly’s sister chose to take a leap of faith and embrace the challenges that lay ahead. “I got it done by hard work. Luck [doesn’t] get you up at 6 a.m. and keep you on the set 12 hours a day for three months. I worked my tail off,”
said
Rachel about getting the part.
Rachel’s strong work ethic was evident throughout her journey. Her commitment to her craft and dedication to her role led her to work tirelessly on the set, putting in long hours and giving her best performances. She even adopted her first husband’s last name to avoid constant comparisons with her renowned sibling.
Rachel Dennison poses for a portrait in 1985 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, Rachel decided to give up singing with Dolly and focused on her makeup work in Nashville, while Richard continued to tour for about 250 days a year. Despite the challenges of a demanding schedule, the couple remained supportive of each other’s endeavors.
To support Rachel’s new career twist, her husband even joined her in Hollywood for three months while she pursued acting opportunities. Her decision to step back from singing and concentrate on her makeup career allowed her to establish a stable home life.
Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton Dennison pose backstage at the musical “9 to 5” on Broadway on April 13, 2009, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
She found solace in her relationship with her husband, and together, they built a strong foundation for their marriage. During that time Rachel reflected on her growth as an individual and the importance of being secure in her marriage and herself before embarking on new endeavors.
In addition to her makeup work, her passion for singing never waned. She expressed a desire to revive her singing career and was in the process of finishing a demo tape. With newfound maturity and self-assurance, Rachel felt ready to explore a new chapter in her musical journey.
Rachel Dennison, Dolly Parton, and Hannah visit Monroe Carell Jr. Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on October 13, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
However, in 1999, sources reported that Rachel had retired from acting and singing. Sadly, she and Richard divorced and she
married
Eric Wilson George. She now goes by the name, Rachel Parton George.
In January 2023, America’s last sweetheart,
Dolly Parton,
revealed that she had plans to start her own network. She also shared that she was working on a joint project with Rachel to share their
culinary skills
with the world in the form of a cookbook.