Randy Parton
Birth nameRandel Huston Parton
Born(1953-12-15)December 15, 1953
Sevierville, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJanuary 21, 2021(2021-01-21) (aged 67)
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, U.S.
GenresCountry
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, actor
Years active1977–2021
LabelsRCA

Randel Huston Parton (December 15, 1953 – January 21, 2021) was an American country music singer-songwriter, actor, and businessman.

Life, career and death

Randy Parton was born in Sevierville, Tennessee, the eighth of twelve children[1] born to Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens; 1923–2003) and Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000). He was the younger brother of Dolly and Stella Parton and the older brother of former actress Rachel Dennison.

Parton was the first person to record the song "Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)" in 1982. Two years later, in 1984, the band Alabama recorded it, and became the group's 12th straight No. 1 single. Also in 1984, Parton sang a song for the Rhinestone soundtrack; his sister Dolly starred in the film. He also played bass for his sister.[2]

Parton is also known for the theater that once bore his name in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. In 2007, he signed a deal worth over $1.5 million yearly to manage and perform in a new theater bearing his name in the Carolina Crossroads entertainment and shopping complex.[3]

The relationship between Parton and the city soured as the theater struggled to attract customers[4] and questions arose concerning Parton's use of a nearly $3 million fund for personal travel and entertainment.[5] Parton was also questioned by city leaders for unauthorized events held at the theater including a wedding reception for his daughter along with details about who would be marketing the theater.[6] Throughout the controversy, Parton maintained that his actions were within the contract and that the theater would be successful given time.[7] Parton's contract with the city was terminated on January 8, 2008, and the theater was renamed the Roanoke Rapids Theater.[8] The city took over the theater and in July 2012 voted to allow electronic gambling to help pay expenses and possibly attract a buyer.[2]

Randy Parton died of cancer on January 21, 2021, at age 67.[9]

Discography

Albums

Title Details
There Was a Dream
  • Released: 1978
  • Label: Meteor
  • Format: LP
Shot Full of Love
  • Released: 1981
  • Label: Electric
  • Format: LP
America, From Where I Stand
  • Released: 1991
  • Label: Randy Parton
  • Format: Cassette

Singles

Title Year Peak chart
positions		 Album
US Country
[10]
"Tennessee Born" 1975 — Non-album single
"Losing Everything" —
"Down" 1977 —
"Hold Me Like You Never Had Me" 1981 30
"Shot Full of Love" 30
"Don't Cry Baby" 80
"Oh, No" 1982 76
"Roll on Eighteen Wheeler" —
"A Stranger in Her Bed" 1983 92

Other album appearances

Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Holdin' on to You"^ 1977 Dolly Parton New Harvest...First Gathering
"Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You"^ 1980 Dolly, Dolly, Dolly
"Tennessee Homesick Blues"^ 1984 Rhinestone
"Too Much Water" —
"What a Heartache"^ Dolly Parton
"You Are My Christmas" 2020 Dolly Parton, Heidi Parton A Holly Dolly Christmas

Notes

1.^ Parton provided backing vocals on this track.

References

  1. ↑ Rice, Nicholas (January 21, 2021). "Dolly Parton's Brother Randy Dies of Cancer at 67: 'He's Shining in Heaven Now'". People. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Thomas, Goldsmith (July 13, 2012). "Roanoke Rapids OKs electronic gambling at landmark theater". News & Observer. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  3. ↑ Carrington, Don (April 25, 2007). "Parton to Get $1.5 Million Per Year". Carolina Journal. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
  4. ↑ "Randy Partons Divorce". News and Observer. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  5. ↑ "N.C. town finds in Parton brother a tale of woe". The Baltimore Sun. December 23, 2007. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  6. ↑ "Documents reveal Parton, advisers expected the city to market the theater". Roanoke Daily Herald. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  7. ↑ "Randy Parton press conference". Retrieved May 2, 2008 – via YouTube.
  8. ↑ "Randy Parton Theater Officially Changed To Roanoke Rapids Theater". WITN. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  9. ↑ Dukes, Billy (January 21, 2021). "Dolly Parton's Brother, Singer Randy Parton, Has Died". Taste of Country. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  10. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. p. 318. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
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