Avie Lee Owens was an American woman who was best known as the mother of award-winning singer Dolly Parton. She was born on October 5, 1923, in Sevierville, Tennessee, to Rena Kansas Owens and Jake Robert Owens, a Pentecostal preacher. She married Robert Lee Parton in 1939 and had 12 children with him, six boys and six girls. She passed away on December 5, 2003, at the age of 80.
A Mother’s Love and Influence
Avie Lee Owens was a devoted mother who took care of her large family with love and creativity. She had a way of knowing when one of her children needed a little extra attention and made them feel special with her homemade gifts and stories. She also taught them the value of what they had, no matter how little it seemed to be.
One of the most famous examples of Avie Lee’s motherly love was the coat of many colors that she made for her young daughter Dolly out of small scraps of fabric. This coat inspired Dolly to write one of her most popular songs, “Coat of Many Colors”, which tells the story of how she wore the coat with pride despite being mocked by other children. The song also reflects Dolly’s life philosophy of seeing the beauty in everything.
Another example of Avie Lee’s influence on Dolly’s music career was the corncob doll that she crafted for her when she was a child. This doll had corn silk hair and a tassel top, and it was the first toy that Dolly ever owned. Dolly loved her doll so much that she composed her very first song about it, called “Little Tiny Tasseltop”. This song marked the beginning of Dolly’s passion for songwriting and singing.
A Musical Legacy
Avie Lee Owens was not only a mother but also a musician. She came from a family that sang the old songs of the immigrants who had moved to southern Appalachia over a century earlier. She had a beautiful voice and played the guitar, the banjo, and the harmonica. She often sang old English, Irish, Welsh, and folk songs to entertain her children and taught them how to sing and play instruments as well.
Avie Lee Owens is often credited as Dolly Parton’s first musical influence. She encouraged Dolly to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer and songwriter and supported her throughout her career. She also influenced many of Dolly’s siblings who became musicians as well, such as Stella Parton, Randy Parton, Cassie Parton, Freida Parton, and Rachel Parton.
Avie Lee Owens’ musical legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren who continue to make music in various genres. She is also remembered by millions of fans who admire her strength, wisdom, and love that she shared with her family and the world.
