Who Is Rachel Parton George? All About The Life Story of Dolly Parton’s Youngest Sister
Rachel Parton George is the youngest sister of country music legend Dolly Parton. She was born on August 31, 1959, in Franklin, Tennessee, as the baby of 12 children. While most people know the Parton name because of Dolly, Rachel has her own story worth telling. She is a singer, actress, cookbook author, and a key part of the Parton family legacy. From singing backup for Dolly on tour to starring in a hit TV show, Rachel has lived a life full of music, family, and love. Today, she works closely with Dolly behind the scenes and still calls Tennessee home.
Detailed Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rachel Ann Parton George |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Church of God (Christian) |
| Famous Sister | Dolly Parton |
| Parents | Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Caroline Owens |
| Number of Siblings | 11 (she is the youngest of 12 children) |
| First Husband | Richard Dennison (divorced) |
| Current Husband | Eric Wilson George |
| Occupation | Singer, Actress, Author, Executive |
| Best Known For | TV show 9 to 5, Good Lookin’ Cookin’ cookbook |
| Residence | Franklin, Tennessee |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $2 million |
Early Life and Growing Up in the Parton Family
Rachel Parton George grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Her parents, Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Owens, raised all 12 children in a small cabin in Locust Ridge. Life was simple and money was tight, but the family always had music. Rachel once said that singing at home felt as natural as breathing.
As a child, Rachel loved putting on makeup and copying her favorite stars. She was raised in the Church of God, just like all her brothers and sisters. She left school after the eighth grade to join her family on the road. While touring, she helped her older sisters with their makeup and sometimes sang backup vocals on stage.
Rachel’s Music and Singing Career
Music was always a big part of Rachel’s life. She started performing with her family’s musical group when she was a teenager. She also became a songwriter and wrote her own songs. At age 15, she performed solo on stage for the very first time. That moment changed her life in more ways than one.
During that first solo show, Rachel noticed the piano player, Richard Dennison. She later said she knew right away that he was the one for her. The two got married about three years later. Richard Dennison still plays in Dolly Parton’s band today, even though he and Rachel later divorced.
Acting Career and the TV Show 9 to 5
In 1982, Rachel got her biggest acting role. She starred in the ABC TV sitcom 9 to 5, which was based on the popular 1980 movie of the same name. In the movie, Dolly Parton played the role of Doralee Rhodes. When the show came to television, Rachel took over that same role.
The show was filmed in front of a live audience and also starred Rita Moreno and Valerie Curtin. It started with strong ratings, but ABC cancelled the show after 33 episodes in 1983. Before the show started, Rachel told People magazine that she expected people to compare her to Dolly. She called it “only human nature.” The show later came back in reruns and was popular enough to return in first-run syndication in 1986.
Personal Life: Husbands and Family
Rachel’s first husband was Richard Dennison, the pianist she met during her first solo performance. They got married when Rachel was around 18 years old. After many years together, they divorced. Rachel then married Eric Wilson George, and she took his last name.
Rachel now lives a quiet life in Franklin, Tennessee, close to her sister Dolly. She chose to step away from the spotlight to focus on raising her family. While she keeps most of her personal life private, her close bond with Dolly and the rest of the Parton family is well known. Dolly has said that because of their 14-year age gap, she sometimes feels more like a mother to Rachel than a sister, but most of all, she feels like her best friend.
Rachel and Dolly’s Special Bond
The bond between Rachel and Dolly is one of the sweetest stories in the Parton family. Even though Dolly is 14 years older, the two sisters have always been very close. Rachel helped Dolly on tour for years, doing her makeup and singing with her on stage. Dolly once said about Rachel that she feels like her friend more than anything else.
In 1987, Rachel appeared on Dolly’s TV variety show called “Dolly.” Her last time on camera was in 1999, during a Bravo special about Dolly’s life. After that, Rachel stepped away from acting and public life. But behind the scenes, she still works with Dolly in an executive role, helping with different parts of Dolly’s business and projects.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’: The Cookbook That Became a Bestseller
In September 2024, Rachel and Dolly released a cookbook together called “Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals.” The book became a New York Times Bestseller. It features more than 80 recipes for meals throughout the year, from New Year’s Day to Christmas. The recipes include family favorites like fried chicken, barbecue spare ribs, mac and cheese, and strawberry shortcake.
The title comes from the Hank Williams song “Hey, Good Lookin’,” which the Parton family loves to sing in the kitchen. Rachel told The Hollywood Reporter that making the book gave them a chance to share memories and recipes from their childhood. The cookbook is also a loving tribute to their late mother, Avie Lee, who fed all 14 members of the family with her homestyle cooking. Dolly has always said that Rachel is the real star in their family’s kitchen.
Rachel’s Work Behind the Scenes
After she retired from acting and singing in public, Rachel did not stop working. She now holds an executive role in her sister’s team. She helps manage different parts of Dolly’s many projects and businesses. Rachel also serves on the board of the Dollywood Foundation, which runs Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The Imagination Library sends free books to children from birth until they start school. The program reaches over one million children every month around the world. Rachel’s role on the board shows that the Parton family cares deeply about giving back to the community, especially when it comes to helping children learn to read.
Conclusion
Rachel Parton George may not have the same level of fame as her sister Dolly, but she has lived a rich and full life. From growing up in the mountains of Tennessee to starring on national TV and co-writing a bestselling cookbook, Rachel has always found her own path. She is a loving sister, a talented performer, and a quiet force behind the Parton family name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Rachel Parton George?
Rachel Parton George is an American singer, actress, and author. She is the youngest of Dolly Parton’s 11 siblings. She is best known for her role in the TV show 9 to 5 and her 2024 cookbook with Dolly called “Good Lookin’ Cookin’.”
2. How old is Rachel Parton George?
Rachel was born on August 31, 1959. As of 2026, she is 66 years old.
3. Who is Rachel Parton George married to?
Rachel is currently married to Eric Wilson George. She was previously married to pianist Richard Dennison, who still plays in Dolly Parton’s band.
4. What is the name of Rachel and Dolly’s cookbook?
Their cookbook is called “Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals.” It was released in September 2024 and became a New York Times Bestseller. It has more than 80 family recipes.
5. Does Rachel Parton George still act or sing?
Rachel retired from acting and public singing after 1999. She now works in an executive role behind the scenes for Dolly’s team and occasionally sings with her siblings at family gatherings.
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