Willadeene Parton is a Wonderful Poet & Dolly Parton's Oldest Sibling

Willadeene Parton is legendary country star Dolly Parton's oldest sibling who babysat her when she was tiny. She is a talented poet and has written about her family's story.

Fans of country icon Dolly Parton had heard her sing about her childhood and the poverty she grew up in her Tennessee mountain home when food was scarce, and there was no money for new coats or shoes.

The songs Dolly wrote portrayed the difficulties and the joys of her life as one of 12 siblings, and Willadeen Parton, the oldest of the children, has shared her memories of those days in two books about her family.

Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, the fourth child of a family of struggling share farmers. Her mother, Avie Parton, had married very young, and by age 35, she had 12 children, of whom Willadeen was the oldest.

Willadeeen and Dolly's mother was in poor health most of the time, so the oldest daughter was often her biggest help with the younger children. David, Denver, Dolly, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Larry, Randy, Floyd, Freida, and Rachel were often in Willadeen's care.

Nevertheless, Avie still sang to her children and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Willadeen, whom Dolly described as being a second mother to all the siblings, shared her memories of their childhood in a book, "In the Shadow of a Song: The Story of the Parton Family."

Willadeene Parton's Life as an Older Sibling

Willadeene Parton was born on March 24, 1940, when her mother was 17. She was six when her sister Dolly was born and was already helping her mother care for the younger children.

One day, she picked up Dolly from her crib and playfully threw her up into the air, as she'd seen her father do, but she ended up dropping the baby on her head, who went tumbling down a hill.

On another memorable occasion, the four older children found their father's stash of whiskey and drank it before going to church. They were lucky not to get caught, but couldn't remember the service.

Apart from poetry, WIlldeen has written two books about the Parton family: "All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground" and "In the Shadow of a Song."

Religion was a fundamental part of the Parton family life. A personal relationship with God is something the siblings carried into their future, along with their deep love and bond.

Willadeene Parton's Boyfriend Got into an Embarrassing Situation with Dolly

Like her mother before her, Willadeen married very young, at only 16. Her boyfriend, Arthur "Junie" Blalock, would come to pick her up to take her out, and Willadeen would ask Dolly to sing for him. One day, ten-year-old Dolly sat on the swing and took off her panties, then she started singing:

"On top of Old Smokey/ All covered with grass/ Look here Junie Blalock/ At my naked [expletive]"

When they realized she had no panties on, they were both embarrassed, especially Junie. Willadeen dragged Junie into the house, but Dolly just sang even louder.

Willadeene Parton Has Her Own Talent

Willadeene was her mother's right hand, but she also had health problems. She had frequent nose bleeds, especially when it was hot, but that didn't stop her from doing her share of the housework.

Willadeen's talent was writing poetry and stories, which manifested very young. Apart from poetry, WIlldeen has written two books about the Parton family: "All-Day Singing & Dinner on the Ground" and "In the Shadow of a Song."

Dolly Parton has declared her big sister a major creative talent capable of tackling any challenge, even writing TV series. Willadeen Parton has inspired her siblings and shared her beautiful stories with the world.