Cher’s Little-Known Sister: The Talented Performer Who Worked Hard to Step Out of Her Shadow

Rachel Parton, Dolly Parton’s sister, adopted her first husband’s last name to avoid comparisons with Dolly. She toured with her sister and worked as her makeup artist. Despite her efforts to achieve fame, Rachel retired from acting and singing in the 1990s.

Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, is a legendary singer and songwriter renowned for her extraordinary talent and iconic role in country music. Rising to fame in the 1960s, she has become one of the most influential and successful figures in the music industry.

Dolly Parton, with her distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating performances, has touched millions around the world. Renowned for her numerous chart-topping hits, awards, and philanthropic efforts, she is celebrated as a cultural icon and successful entrepreneur.

Born in rural Tennessee, Dolly grew up in a family of 11 siblings—Willadeene, David, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd, and twins Freida and Rachel. Despite facing poverty and living in a one-room shack near the Smoky Mountains, her humble beginnings shaped her enduring spirit and legendary career.

In a 1978 interview, Dolly Parton opened up about the hardships of her childhood, sharing that the siblings often slept three or four to a bed and she sometimes woke up to find them peeing on her. Despite these challenges, music was a constant source of joy in their lives. Inspired by their musically talented mother and extended family, the siblings developed a shared love for music that profoundly shaped Dolly’s future.

The Parton siblings often spent time creating songs together, with their mother transcribing their melodies, leading to lively sing-alongs after supper. This shared musical experience fostered a strong bond that remained intact into adulthood, as they continued to reunite for special occasions and cherished memories.

How Dolly’s Younger Sister Worked Hard to Become Famous

Rachel, the youngest of Dolly Parton’s 12 siblings, sought fame by following in her iconic sister’s footsteps. With her striking resemblance to Dolly—complete with sugar-candy blond hair, a shimmering singing voice, and a cheerful personality laced with playful charm—Rachel captivated those around her.

Growing up in the musical Parton household, Rachel developed a love for music early on. She and her siblings would spend their days crafting songs together, often singing while playing on the seesaw outside their modest six-room home.

Rachel’s passion for makeup was evident even as a child, making her stand out as the only first-grader who routinely powdered and rouged her face. After leaving school in the eighth grade, she began her journey as a singer and makeup artist, touring with her older sister Dolly.

During those years, Rachel worked as Dolly’s makeup artist while also singing backup. At just 15, her life took a romantic turn when she met Richard Dennison, a new piano player at one of her performances, and instantly felt he was the one for her.

Rachel married Richard Dennison at 18, embarking on a journey of music, love, and shared dreams. At 22, she stepped into the spotlight by portraying Doralee Rhodes, the role her sister Dolly made famous, in ABC’s sitcom spin-off of 9 to 5.

Aware of the inevitable comparisons to her iconic sister, Rachel embraced the challenge with determination and a strong work ethic. Despite the pressure, she remained committed to carving out her own path in the entertainment industry, showcasing many of the same talents that made Dolly a star.

Standing three inches taller than Dolly and weighing “a hundred and plenty” pounds, Rachel had a physical presence that set her apart. Despite this, she worked tirelessly to prove herself, fully aware of the inevitable comparisons to her legendary sister. Her dedication and determination reflected her desire to succeed on her own terms.

Rachel’s break into showbiz came serendipitously when Jane Fonda, Dolly’s co-star and executive co-producer of 9 to 5, discovered her talent. While visiting the Grand Ole Opry, Jane saw Rachel skillfully applying Dolly’s makeup for a performance, leading to the opportunity that would help launch her own career.

Impressed by Rachel’s skills and potential, Jane Fonda brought her to Hollywood to audition for the sitcom role. The entertainment industry was curious about this talented Parton sibling, eager to learn more about her.

Originally, Rachel had envisioned a different life—one focused on raising a family and managing a household with Richard, her husband and a backup singer in Dolly’s band. The couple had already begun remodeling their four-bedroom house on six acres in Franklin, Tennessee, decorating it in an Early American style, reflecting their traditional and deeply religious values.

When given the opportunity to pursue her dreams, Rachel chose to take a leap of faith, embracing the challenges ahead. Reflecting on her success, she said, “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.”

Rachel’s strong work ethic was evident throughout her journey. She dedicated herself to her craft, putting in long hours on set and delivering her best performances. To avoid constant comparisons to her famous sister, she also adopted her first husband’s last name, carving out her own identity in the process.

Eventually, Rachel chose to step away from singing with Dolly and focused on her makeup career in Nashville, while Richard continued to tour for about 250 days each year. Despite the challenges of their demanding schedules, the couple remained supportive of one another’s endeavors.

To support Rachel’s new career path, Richard even joined her in Hollywood for three months while she pursued acting opportunities. This decision to focus on makeup allowed Rachel to establish a more stable home life, balancing her professional ambitions with her desire for personal stability.

Rachel found comfort and stability in her relationship with her husband, and together they built a strong foundation for their marriage. During this period, she took time to reflect on her personal growth, recognizing the importance of being secure in both her marriage and herself before taking on new challenges. This self-awareness and balance became central to her approach to life and career.

Despite focusing on her makeup career, Rachel’s passion for singing never faded. She expressed a strong desire to revive her singing career and was working on finishing a demo tape. With newfound maturity and self-assurance, Rachel felt prepared to embark on a new chapter in her musical journey, ready to embrace fresh opportunities.

In 1999, reports confirmed that Rachel had retired from acting and singing. Tragically, she and Richard divorced, and Rachel later married Eric Wilson George, adopting the name Rachel Parton George.

In January 2023, Dolly Parton, affectionately known as America’s last sweetheart, announced plans to launch her own network. She also revealed that she was collaborating with Rachel on a joint project, a cookbook that would showcase their culinary skills and share their love of cooking with the world.