Dolly Parton Has Lookalike Sister Who Served Her & Worked Her Tail Off Hoping to Become Famous

• Rachel Parton, Dolly Parton's sister, decided to adopt her first husband's last name to avoid constant comparisons with her renowned sibling.
• Rachel joined her older sister on tours and worked as her makeup artist.
• But despite working diligently, hoping to become famous, Rachel retired from acting and singing in 1999.

Dolly Parton is a legendary singer and songwriter known for her immense talent and iconic contributions to country music. Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, U.S., she rose to fame in the 1960s and has become one of the most influential and successful artists in the music industry.

With her distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating performances, Dolly has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. With numerous chart-topping hits and awards, she's celebrated for her outstanding contributions to music, philanthropy, and successful business ventures, solidifying her status as an enduring cultural icon.

The legendary country singer grew up in rural Tennessee with her 11 siblings, six brothers and five sisters: Willadeene, David, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd, and the twins Freida and Rachel. Their family faced poverty and challenging living conditions, residing in a one-room shack near the Smoky Mountains.

She even adopted her first husband's last name to avoid constant comparisons with her renowned sibling.

In a candid interview in 1978, Dolly shared the hardships they endured, revealing that the kids would sleep three or four in a bed, and she often woke up to find them peeing on her. Despite these difficulties, music played a significant role in their lives, as their musically gifted mother and extended family sparked a shared love for music among the siblings.

The Parton siblings would spend time together creating songs, with their mother transcribing the tunes, leading to joyful sing-alongs after supper. Their enduring bond kept them close, even in adulthood, as they reunited to celebrate special moments and shared memories.

Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton Dennison (the film and tv series "Doralee's") pose backstage at the hit new musical "9 to 5" on Broadway at The Marquis Theatre on April 13, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

How Dolly Parton's Younger Sister Worked Hard to Become Famous

In the past, Rachel, Dolly's younger sister, embarked on a journey to find fame and success by following in her older sibling's footsteps. With her strikingly similar sugar-candy blond hair, silvery shivers in her singing voice, and a sunny disposition tinged with Hee-Haw naughtiness, Rachel's resemblance to her celebrated sister was breathtaking.

Growing up as the youngest of 12 kids in the Parton household, Rachel's love for music was ingrained from an early age. She and her siblings spent their days concocting songs, often playing on the seesaw outside their six-room house. Her passion for makeup set her apart even as a child, and she became the only first-grader routinely powdering and rouging her face.

Leaving school after the eighth grade, Rachel's journey as a singer and makeup professional began when she started touring with her big sister Dolly, working as her makeup artist and singing backup for several years.

Actress Rachel Dennison attends the Press Conference for the Television Show 'Nine to Five' on March 24, 1982, at ABC Entertainment Center in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images

At 15, Rachel's life took a new turn when she spotted Richard Dennison, a new piano man at one of her performances, and knew he was the one for her. Rachel and Richard tied the knot when she was just 18, and they embarked on a life of music, love, and dedication to their dreams.

At 22, Rachel found herself stepping into the spotlight as she re-created Dolly's movie role as Doralee Rhodes in ABC's sitcom spin-off of "9 to 5." Despite possessing many of the same qualities that made Dolly famous, Rachel was aware of the inevitable comparisons that would come her way. Nevertheless, she embraced the challenge with determination and a strong work ethic.

Standing at three inches taller than her sister, Rachel weighed "a hundred and plenty" pounds, setting her apart physically. However, she worked diligently to prove herself, knowing that people would naturally draw comparisons between her and her famous sibling.

Actress Rachel Dennison attends the ABC Television Fall Party on September 15, 1983, at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Rachel's opportunity in showbiz was serendipitous, as it was not Dolly but Jane Fonda, Dolly's co-star and executive co-producer of "9 to 5," who discovered her talent. During a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, Fonda witnessed Rachel expertly applying her sister's makeup for a performance.

Impressed by Rachel's skills and potential, Fonda decided to bring her to Hollywood to audition for the sitcom role. The decision to cast Rachel was met with curiosity and intrigue from the entertainment industry, as everyone wanted to know more about this talented Parton sibling.

Dolly Parton's younger sister Rachel Dennison poses for a portrait in 1985 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Traditional and deeply religious, Rachel had initially envisioned a life of raising a family and keeping house with her husband, Richard, a backup singer in Dolly's band. They had already started remodeling their four-bedroom house on six acres in Franklin, Tennessee, decorating it in Early American style.

However, when presented with the opportunity to pursue her dreams, Rachel chose to take a leap of faith and embrace the challenges that lay ahead. "I got it done by hard work. Luck [doesn't] get you up at 6 a.m. and keep you on the set 12 hours a day for three months. I worked my tail off," said Rachel about getting the part.

Rachel's strong work ethic was evident throughout her journey. Her commitment to her craft and dedication to her role led her to work tirelessly on the set, putting in long hours and giving her best performances. She even adopted her first husband's last name to avoid constant comparisons with her renowned sibling.

Musician Dolly Parton and sister Actress Rachel Dennison attend the 1983 Carousel of Hope Ball to Benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes on October 8, 1983, at Currigan Hall in Denver, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images

Eventually, Rachel decided to give up singing with Dolly and focused on her makeup work in Nashville, while Richard continued to tour for about 250 days a year.

Despite the challenges of a demanding schedule, the couple remained supportive of each other's endeavors. In an effort to support Rachel's new career twist, Richard even joined her in Hollywood for three months while she pursued acting opportunities.

Rachel's decision to step back from singing and concentrate on her makeup career allowed her to establish a stable home life. She found solace in her relationship with Richard, and together, they built a strong foundation for their marriage. Rachel reflected on her growth as an individual and the importance of being secure in her marriage and herself before embarking on new endeavors.

In addition to her makeup work, Rachel's passion for singing never waned. She expressed a desire to revive her singing career and was in the process of finishing a demo tape. With newfound maturity and self-assurance, Rachel felt ready to explore a new chapter in her musical journey.

Rachel Dennison, Recording Artist Dolly Parton and niece Hannah visit Monroe Carell Jr. Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to share music & their family's story of hope with kids and their parents on October 13, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

However, in 1999, sources reported that Rachel had retired from acting and singing. As fate would have it, Rachel and Richard divorced and she married Eric Wilson George. She now goes by the name, Rachel Parton George.

In January 2023, America's last sweetheart, Dolly, revealed that she had plans to start her own network and was working on a joint project with Rachel to share their culinary skills with the world in the form of a cookbook.

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