Music was a major part of Dolly\u2019s upbringing. She once explained, \u201cI grew up singing in the church. My folks were always singing the old mountain music, the old folk songs from the old world, English, Irish, Welsh, all that stuff, and then with the gospel mixed with the bluegrass so we kind of had a good mixture up there in the Smoky Mountain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the traditional songs Dolly performed with her family was the Appalachian folk song \u201cIn the Pines.\u201d The song is believed to have developed from two older pieces, \u201cThe Longest Train\u201d and another song also known as \u201cIn the Pines.\u201d Its exact origins and authorship remain uncertain, though versions of the song can be traced back to the 1870s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, \u201cIn the Pines\u201d has been recorded and performed by numerous artists, including country music legend Bill Monroe. Dolly Parton also performed the song on her television show during the 1970s, and on one especially memorable occasion, her parents joined her on camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That rare Parton family performance has resurfaced following Dolly\u2019s death on August 25, 2026. The heartwarming footage shows Dolly seated front and center alongside her mother and father, while seven of her 11 siblings sit behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For most of the performance, the entire family joins together, creating beautiful harmonies that capture the musical traditions Dolly grew up with. There are also two special solo moments, first from Avie Lee and later from Lee, giving viewers a chance to hear each of Dolly\u2019s parents sing on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the footage feels even more special. It offers a rare glimpse into Dolly\u2019s family life and the musical roots that helped shape the legendary performer she would become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can watch this beautiful family performance below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n