NEW YORK — Dolly Parton’s musical journey has roots that stretch back to the British Isles in the 1600s. Her ancestors eventually made their way to the rugged landscapes of East Tennessee, carrying their rich musical traditions with them. On Friday, she is releasing a new album titled “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith & Fables,” which showcases the musical heritage of the Parton and Owens families, featuring collaborations among five generations of her relatives.
“My grandpa always said when I became famous, ‘Well, she came out crying in the key of D,’” Parton shared, reflecting on her family’s connection to music. “I think we all did.”
The creation of “Smoky Mountain DNA” was not only a labor of love but also a journey of discovery for Parton about her family history. “We’re a lot like the Carter family. We go back generations,” she noted, drawing a comparison to the iconic music family known as the first family of country music. Parton believes this might be her favorite album because it features the voices of her cherished family members—grandparents, uncles, aunts, and their legacy—who greatly influenced her life since childhood.
Richie Owens, a cousin of Parton and the family’s self-proclaimed “historian,” took on the role of producer for “Smoky Mountain DNA.” Owens indicated that the family has maintained records and stories, yet the idea to compile an album took shape around 2010, delayed by personal losses. Before the onset of the pandemic, Parton encouraged Owens to consolidate their family’s musical history, recalling Owens’ ongoing work related to his grandfather’s fiddle. Together, they began the journey that led to the album’s creation.
For some new tracks, Owens applied modern technology akin to AI methods used in the latest Beatles song, “Now and Then.” He focused on cleaning up old vocal recordings of departed family members, aiming to enhance the sound quality without altering the recordings, which he described as a heartfelt endeavor. “It was an incredibly emotional experience to sing with the voices of those who have passed,” Parton commented, recalling the bittersweet moments as she immersed herself in memories of her loved ones.
The album’s curation involved revisiting songs co-written with deceased relatives as well as tracks previously recorded by them. The project also features contributions from younger family members born in the 21st century, introducing new co-written songs that reflect their diverse musical styles.
Spanning genres such as country, folk, hymns, and bluegrass, the album also incorporates elements of soulful R&B, swamp pop, and various rock styles. It includes a lively rendition of “Not Bad” featuring Shelley Rená and “I Just Stopped By” with Parton’s late uncle, Robert “John Henry” Owens, among others. The album even revisits Parton’s own past with a cover of the track “Puppy Love,” originally recorded when she was just 13, performed now with her youngest family members.
The concluding track, “When It’s Family,” originally co-written by Parton for her 1991 album, emphasizes acceptance and love within a diverse family. With lyrics acknowledging various walks of life, Parton expressed her ethos: “I love and accept people where they are for who they are.” Her family, which includes a myriad of identities and experiences, reflects her belief in unconditional love.
With many unreleased materials from this project, Parton hinted at future compilation albums and a docuseries that aims to reconnect with her family’s musical roots. They plan to explore their heritage and visit relatives in the UK still performing traditional songs.
As she prepares for a Broadway musical based on her life set to debut in 2026, Parton remains reflective about her legacy. “I hope that my songs will endure for generations,” she said, expressing her desire to be remembered for her contributions to the world. “And I hope I left behind something good.”