Rachel Dennison: Everything About Dolly Parton’s Sister

Rachel Dennison is a retired singer and actress and the sister of Dolly Rebecca Parton. Rachel’s sister Dolly Parton is a singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. She is primarily known for her decades-long career in country music and her songs have captured the hearts of generations. She has been described as a “country music legend”.

Rachel Dennison: Bio Summary

How Old Is Rachel Dennison?

Rachel Dennison born Rachel Ann Parton was born on August 31, 1959, in Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. She will be celebrating her 64th birthday in 2023, on August 31. She is the daughter of Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens; 1923–2003), a housewife, and Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000), a tobacco farmer.

Rachel Dennison’s father known as “Lee”, also did construction jobs to supplement the farm’s small income. Her mother Avie Lee, cared for their large family. Rachel was raised in the Church of God, per her Wikipedia page. She came into the world as the youngest of twelve children. She has 11 siblings.

Rachel Dennison’s mother, Avie Lee had 11 pregnancies, the tenth being twins. She became a mother of 12 by age 35. She was often sick but still managed to look after her children. She frequently kept the house entertained with Smoky Mountain folklore and ancient ballads. Avie Lee knew old ballads.

Rachel Dennison grew up alongside her siblings, Stella Parton, Dolly Parton, Willadeene Parton, Randel Huston “Randy” Parton, Robert Lee Parton Jr., twins Floyd Estel Parton and Freida Estelle Parton, Larry Gerald Parton, Coy Denver Parton, Cassie Nan Parton, and David Wilburn Parton. Music runs deep in the Parton family. “Singing was like breathing at home,” Rachel told People.

ALSO READ: Randy Parton: What Happened To Dolly Parton’s Brother?

Growing up, Rachel Dennison loved putting on make-up and often imitating her favorite stars. Recalling her life as a child, Rachel said: “I was the only girl in the first grade that routinely powdered and rouged my face.” She also recalled, “I never really wanted to be in show business. I just wanted to raise my kids and keep house, but I guess being in the business is just a ‘family tradition‘.”

Just after eighth grade, Rachel left school and toured the country with her family. She was the one who often did her elder sisters’ make-up and occasionally sang as a backup. When Rachel was fifteen, she performed solo on stage. That was her first time. During her first performance, as she remembers, “right off I saw this new piano man (pianist Richard Dennison) and knew he was the fella for me.”

ALSO, READ; Cassie Nan Parton: Facts About Dolly Parton’s Sister

Rachel would later marry Dennison. She became a singer and actress. However, she has retired from acting and singing since 1999. Her final appearance on camera was during an episode of Bravo Profiles titled “Dolly Parton: Diamond in a Rhinestone World” in 1999. She will occasionally sing alongside her siblings.

Rachel Has Worked In A Few Films

Rachel Dennison, now a former actress, worked in a few films. She landed a role in the ABC television sitcom incarnation of 9 to 5. Before the show premiered, she stated in a People magazine interview: “I’m sure people will compare me to Dolly—it’s only human nature.”

In the “9 to 5” series, Rachel reprised her sister’s movie role as Doralee Rhodes Brooks. As an actress, she appeared in Nine to Five (1982), and Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas (2022), per her IMDb page. She served as a makeup artist in Christmas at Home.

Rachel Dennison is also known for her work in Sunset Music Festival, Prime Time Country, Dolly Parton’s Precious Memories, and Bravo Profiles. She appeared as herself in Battle of the Network Stars XIV, Dolly, and Christmas at Home, among others.

ALSO READ: Willadeene Parton: Facts About Dolly Parton’s Sister

Rachel Is A Married Woman

Rachel Ann Parton has been married two times. She was previously married to Richard Dennison and they had one child. She adopted Richard’s surname and became Rachel Dennison. She and Richard are not together anymore. She is currently married to Eric Wilson George. Rachel has successfully kept her marriage out of the limelight so much is unknown.