Stella Parton has an estimated net worth of $10 million. She is an American country singer-songwriter, actress, author and advocate who built a career in entertainment independently while also being known as the younger sister of country music icon Dolly Parton.
Stella Parton began performing professionally in the 1960s and scored several country music hits during the 1970s. Her best-known songs include “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight,” “The Danger of a Stranger,” “Standard Lie Number One” and “Stormy Weather.”
Beyond music, Stella expanded into acting, appearing in television productions, films and touring musical productions. She has also worked as an educator, consultant and advocate.
Her career has stretched across several decades, allowing her to build income through music recordings, live performances, acting, business ventures and other entertainment projects.
| Stella Parton Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Sevierville, Tennessee |
Early Life
Stella Parton was born on May 4, 1949, in Sevierville, Tennessee. She was the sixth of 12 children born to Avie Lee and Robert Parton.
Growing up in the Parton household meant that music was an important part of everyday life.
Her older sister, Dolly Parton, would eventually become one of the biggest country music stars in the world. However, Stella also developed her own musical identity from an early age.
The sisters appeared together on a Knoxville television program when they were children. Stella also sang gospel music with her sisters Cassie and Willadeene.
While in high school, she began writing her own songs, laying the foundation for her eventual career as a country singer-songwriter.
Stella Parton’s Music Career
Stella Parton’s professional recording career began while she was still young.
In 1967, she recorded “In the Garden,” an album made with her sisters Cassie and Willadeene and their mother.
She later moved to Washington, DC, where she performed at Hillbilly Heaven, a club that provided her with an opportunity to develop her stage career.
Parton eventually returned to Tennessee and established her own record label in Nashville.
Her major breakthrough came in 1975 when she released her first solo studio album, “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams.”
The album performed well on the country charts, with its title track reaching the Top 10.
Her success attracted the attention of Elektra Records, and she signed with the label in 1976.
Stella Parton’s Country Music Hits
During her time with Elektra Records, Parton released several albums, including “Country Sweet” in 1977, “Stella Parton” in 1978 and “Love Ya” in 1979.
The albums produced several successful country singles.
Among her best-known songs were “The Danger of a Stranger,” “Standard Lie Number One,” “Four Little Letters” and “Stormy Weather.”
Her success during the 1970s established her as a country performer in her own right.
Although her commercial momentum later declined, Parton continued making music rather than leaving the industry.
Independent Music Career
After leaving Elektra Records in 1980, Stella Parton continued recording for independent labels.
She released projects including “True to Me,” “So Far, So Good” and “Always Tomorrow.”
Her recording output slowed during parts of the 1990s, although she released “A Woman’s Touch” during the decade.
Parton returned to the spotlight more strongly in the 2000s after signing with Raptor Records.
She released “Appalachian Blues,” followed by albums including “Appalachian Gospel,” “Testimony,” “Buried Treasure,” “Mountain Songbird” and “Survivor.”
Her later work reflected her Appalachian roots and incorporated country, gospel and traditional musical influences.
Acting Career
Stella Parton also developed a career in acting.
In 1979, she appeared in an episode of the CBS television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
During the 1980s and early 1990s, she appeared primarily in touring musical productions.
Her stage work included productions of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
She also became involved in the entertainment programming associated with her sister Dolly’s theme park, Dollywood.
Parton’s acting career continued into the 21st century.
She appeared in films including “The Color of Love: Jacey’s Story,” “A Dance for Bethany” and “Ghost Town.”
She later appeared in the television movies “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.”
In 2018, Stella competed on the British television cooking competition “Celebrity MasterChef.”
She returned to film acting with appearances in “Merry & Gay” and “Nothing is Impossible” in 2022.
Other Business Ventures
Parton has worked as a consultant through Attic Entertainment Artist Development and Entertainment Consulting.
The business provides guidance to performers on areas such as stage presence, hair and makeup, wardrobe and entertainment career development.
Her experience as a professional performer has allowed her to use her knowledge of the entertainment industry to mentor others.
She has also been involved in educational and advocacy initiatives.
Education and Advocacy
Stella Parton has worked with the New Opportunity School for Women at Berea College in Kentucky, where she teaches and supports women seeking new opportunities.
She has also participated in advocacy work involving various social causes.
Parton has served as a national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Christian Appalachian Project.
Her advocacy work has allowed her to use her public profile for causes beyond music and entertainment.
Stella Parton’s Personal Life
Stella Parton married Marvin Rauhuff shortly before graduating from high school in 1966.
The couple had a son, Timothy, before eventually divorcing.
Parton later married Steven Messer. Their marriage lasted from 1988 until their divorce in 1991.
Throughout her career, Stella has maintained her own identity despite being part of one of America’s most famous musical families.
Her relationship with Dolly Parton has naturally attracted public interest, but Stella’s career has included her own music, acting, advocacy and business activities.
Stella Parton and Dolly Parton
Being Dolly Parton’s younger sister has been an important part of Stella’s public identity, but Stella established her own career in country music.
The sisters grew up performing together and shared the same musical environment in Tennessee.
While Dolly eventually became a global superstar with a vast entertainment and business empire, Stella pursued a more independent path through country music, acting and advocacy.
Their shared Appalachian upbringing has remained an important influence on both sisters’ careers.
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