THE world is mourning one of country music's greatest stars - but here in North Wales, Dolly Parton's death also brings a remarkable family connection into focus.
The legendary and beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and author was known around the globe for her unmistakable voice, sparkling personality and a string of timeless hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.
But while Dolly's life and career were firmly rooted in Tennessee, the country music icon also had a remarkable connection to North Wales - with her maternal family roots believed to stretch back to the area around Conwy.
Her Welsh heritage came through her mother, Avie Lee Owens, whose family was connected to the Owens name and Welsh ancestry.
The story of Dolly's Welsh heritage emerged publicly in 2024 as she and her family delved into their ancestry for a planned documentary series.
Dolly said at the time that she was “tickled pink” about the interest surrounding her Welsh heritage.
RELATED NEWS
- Amber Davies's journey from audition to opening night of Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5 to be shown on ITVBe
- What a way to make a livin’ for Amber Davies in the West End
Speaking about the family's Welsh roots, Dolly's niece Jada Star told Nick Robinson, BBC Radio 4 presenter: "The Owens part of the family, Dolly's mother, came, they believe, from Wales and it's actually not from Tenby but, it's Conwy."
Jada revealed she had taken the discovery seriously and was attempting to learn Welsh.
"I can greet people in the morning and give a good 'bora da' [good morning]," she said.
Global icon and humanitarian Dolly died in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, August 25. She was 80.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
News of Dolly's death was announced by her family on Tuesday night, and her publicist Marcel Pariseau said: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones.”
The statement continued: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”
The type of cancer was not disclosed.
Dolly's death was announced via an Instagram video by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as the singer’s head of security.
He said it was “an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness” to share the news of her death, adding: “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Dolly's husband Carl Dean died last year aged 82.
Flags will be lowered throughout America in Dolly's honour, US President Donald Trump announced, posting on Truth Social “there has never been anyone like her”.
The biggest names in music - including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift and Beyonce - have all detailed her impact and her legacy, as both a musician and a humanitarian.
Landmarks around the US were lit up pink in her honour, including the Empire State Building in New York, the Willis Tower in Chicago and the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel in Los Angeles.
Share