Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and influential singers in the history of country music. She has a large and loyal fan base, as well as a huge family that includes 11 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. One of her relatives, Danielle Parton, has recently gained some fame as a star of the Discovery show Moonshiners, where she showcases her skills and passion for making moonshine. But how exactly is Danielle related to Dolly, and what is their family history? Here are some facts you need to know about the Parton family and their moonshine legacy.
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Danielle Parton is Dolly Parton’s Niece
Danielle Parton is the daughter of Dolly Parton’s brother, Bobby Parton. Bobby is the fifth child of Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens, who had 12 children in total. Dolly is the fourth child, and she grew up very close to her siblings in a poor but loving family in Tennessee. According to Danielle’s website, Dolly was best friends with her mother, Doris Noland Parton, who was also friends with Dolly’s sister, Stella Parton. Danielle calls Dolly her aunt, and she has expressed her admiration and gratitude for her famous relative.
Danielle Parton is a Pilot and a Moonshiner
Danielle Parton is not only a moonshiner, but also a pilot and a military veteran. She graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She then started her airline career as a flight attendant for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. She later joined the Air National Guard, where she served as a pilot and flew C-130 and C-5 aircraft around the world and in combat. She was promoted to Aircraft Commander in 2012 and became the chief of public affairs at the 118th Wing. She also flew for one of the largest world carriers on the Airbus A320.
Danielle Parton has received several awards and honors for her military service, including the Combat Action Medal, the Air Medal, and the Commodore’s List of Flying Excellence for Undergraduate Pilot Training. She also qualified for a distinguished graduate C-5 initial qualification.
In addition to her aviation career, Danielle Parton is also a master distiller and a star of the show Moonshiners, where she teams up with her friends Mark and Digger to make moonshine using traditional techniques and recipes. She also launched her own brand of moonshine called Shine Girl, which she describes as “a line of spirits created by and with women in mind”. She says that she crafted the moonshine keeping the taste of her ancestors in mind, and that she wants to honor her family legacy.
The Parton Family Has a Long History of Making Moonshine
Making moonshine plays a unique role on both sides of Danielle Parton’s family, the Partons and the Nolands. According to her website, her family was on both sides of the law throughout time, with some fighting to shut down illegal moonshine operations and others working hard to keep them hidden from the authorities. She says that her grandfather, Jake Owens, was a legendary moonshiner who taught his sons-in-law, including Robert Lee Parton, how to make moonshine. She also says that her great-grandfather, John Henry Noland, was a sheriff who raided moonshine stills.
Danielle Parton is not the only member of the Parton family who is involved in moonshine making. Her uncle Bill Owens, who is also Dolly Parton’s uncle and mentor, has his own brand of moonshine called Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey, which he produces in partnership with the late Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, a famous moonshiner who was featured on Moonshiners before his death in 2009.
Dolly Parton herself has also shown interest in moonshine making. In 2014, she announced that she was planning to open a water park called Splash Country that would include a moonshine distillery. However, the project was later canceled due to legal issues.
Danielle Parton and Dolly Parton are not only related by blood, but also by love and respect. Danielle has praised Dolly for being an inspiration and a role model for her and many other women. She has also thanked Dolly for supporting her moonshine venture and giving her advice on how to succeed in business.
Dolly Parton has also shown affection and admiration for Danielle. In an interview with People magazine, she said that she was proud of Danielle for being a pilot and a moonshiner, and that she was happy to see her follow her dreams. She also said that she loved Danielle’s moonshine and that she would drink it occasionally.
Danielle Parton and Dolly Parton are two examples of strong and talented women who have achieved success in their respective fields. They are also proof that the Parton family is not only famous for music, but also for moonshine. They are both part of a family legacy that spans generations and cultures, and that celebrates the spirit of creativity, hard work, and family.
