Dolly often referred to Randy as their Christmas Baby. Randel Huston Parton was born on December 15, 1953. Dolly said,
"We've lost our baby brother, Randy and we are absolutely heartbroken. Fly high baby brother, you will always be my Christmas baby and I will always love you."
Like Dolly and many of the Parton family, Randy was a very talented singer, songwriter and musician. Back in 1980, Randy sang on Dolly's hit song, "Old Flames (Can't Hold a Candle to You)." And just recently he joined her again on a song she wrote specifically about him for her holiday release, A Holly Dolly Christmas. Dolly, Randy and Randy's daughter, Heidi Parton, blended beautiful family harmonies on “You Are My Christmas.”
Of course, there are so many more good things to say about Randy Parton. How much he will be missed by those closest to him. And how his own fans will miss his soulful baritone and enchanting storytelling at Dollywood's My People Show where he performed for many years alongside other members of the Parton family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in honor of Randy and their father Lee Parton be made to the Imagination Library.
My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer. The family and I are grieving his loss but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time. We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is joined by members of the family that have gone on before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms.
Randy was a great singer, writer, and entertainer. He sang, played guitar and bass in my band for many years. He headed his own show at Dollywood since it opened in 1986. He’s had several chart records of his own, but his duet with me on “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You” will always be a highlight in my own career.
“You Are My Christmas,” our duet on my latest Christmas album, joined with his daughter Heidi, will always be a favorite. It was his last musical recording and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now.
He is survived by his wife Deb, his daughter Heidi, son Sabyn, grandsons Huston and Trent.
We will always love him and he will always be in our hearts,
Dolly Parton and Family
Those wishing to pay tribute to Randy can make a donation to the Imagination Library in honor of his dad, Robert Lee Parton.
Dolly re-recorded her iconic workplace anthem “9 to 5” with new lyrics. The new version “5 to 9,” celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit in an exciting Squarespace Super Bowl ad. It issues a rallying call to those dreaming of turning their after-hours passion project into their own business.
Set to the soundtrack of Dolly singing “5 to 9,” the campaign was directed by Academy Award winner Damien Chazelle and choreographed by Tony Award winner Justin Peck. The Squarespace Super Bowl ad highlights the unique side projects of office workers in a scene that transforms drab office cubicles into vibrant studio spaces, bringing all of their ideas to life.
In today’s passion economy, the way we work is changing and it’s more accessible to start a business and be your own boss. Squarespace worked with Dolly to rewrite the lyrics to her iconic song to celebrate this new era of work, and empower anyone with a dream to get started. Dolly’s own side hustle, a brand new namesake fragrance, will launch its website on Squarespace before the Super Bowl at DollyFragrance.com.
“I loved the idea of taking my song ‘9 to 5,’ and mixing it up for a new Squarespace campaign. That’s the beauty of music, it is always changing and growing to meet the world around it,” said Dolly Parton. “There’s a whole new generation of people out there ready to change the world, to meet the growing needs that they see, and I think Squarespace is going to be there with them every step of the way.”
The spot will air live during the game on Sunday, February 7th. If you’re thinking about pursuing your side hustle, we hope this new anthem inspires you to make it real by launching a website on Squarespace.
Well, another year has rolled around and what a year it has been. Like everyone else, it is now my turn for a COVID covered birthday. So what do you do? What do you want? Should you even celebrate?
I am choosing the quiet path so I can stay close to the ones I love to count my blessings and think hard about what this new year will bring.
However, I do have a birthday wish that I want to share with you. My wish is that everyone does something a little different today. Let's call it a call for kindness. If you want to donate to your favorite cause, then donate. If you want to give an old friend a call during these lonely times, give them a call. If you can safely volunteer, then raise your hand to do so. If you decide that today is the day you get a dog, then run down to the shelter and find your new buddy. The choices are limitless.
I always encourage people to dream big but I also take great care to follow that up with the message to work hard. We can't just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day. Love too often gets buried in a world of hurt and fear. We have to work to dig it out so we can share it with our family, our friends and our neighbors. So today, January 19th, let's get to unearthing love. Love is more contagious than a virus so let your best self shine in a glorious light and others will be inspired by you.
This is my birthday wish and may your birthday wishes also come true.
It’s Christmas and Dolly is sharing a few of her favorite childhood memories. She recalls the excitement in their home when it came time to get and decorate a tree. This tender memory comes to life within the lyrics of “Comin’ Home For Christmas.” The handmade ornaments and tinfoil star were some of the most treasured in those days, mainly because of the special care and love her mother put into the preparations. Dolly said,
“In those early days, we didn’t even have electricity so we didn’t have electric lights for it. Mama was always great with making things out of colored paper or different rags that she would tie. We could make bows out of colored rags...Mama always made everything special.”
Dolly shares this memory and more in her Christmas message. She also adds a last-minute holiday message for Jolene.
