Dolly Parton to Explore Country Heritage on ‘Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables’ Record and Docuseries
Photo Credit: Dean Budnick
Dolly Parton has announced Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables, a new record that will explore her family history and the rich culture of Southern Appalachia. Set to arrive on November 15 via her Owepar Entertainment imprint, this project will show the country legend tracing the roots of her musical heritage through a definitive collection of new and recovered folk recordings and a companion four-part docuseries.
“I cannot believe that it has been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Dolly recalls on the humble beginnings of her incomparably impactful career. “My Uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years helping me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along this journey. I am honored to spotlight our families’ musical legacy that is my Smoky Mountain DNA.”
Smoky Mountain DNA shares the story of two families: the Partridge clan and Dolly’s maternal ancestry, the Owens. From the United Kingdom of the 17th century through the glistening East Tennessee haven that is Dollywood today, the sweeping-scale genealogical endeavor will spotlight not only the family traditions that gave rise to one of country’s most vital innovators, but also the broader culture it reflects; in the words and songs of the Iron Butterfly’s forebearers, the album and series set out to enshrine the region as the rural cradle for the thoroughly-American folk songbook.
This landmark Dolly dispatch features performances from a litany of members of the artist’s extended family, from salvaged tapes of dearly departed ancestors to current collaborations with relatives of the latest generation. One figure on whom the project focuses is the Reverend Jake Owens, Dolly’s grandfather and a formative influence who freely shared his faith, values and love for sonic storytelling with his kin and community. Owens is one central stitch in the grand tapestry of the lineage on display, which collects personal memories of bygone crooners and concerts to broach powerful universal truths.
Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables will become available for pre-order on June 21, which will also bring the project’s first pair of preview selections and the complete tracklist. For more information, visit owepar.com/book/smoky-mountain-dna/.
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