DOLLY PARTON Meet My FAMILY

THE COUNTRY MUSIC QUEEN IS SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT WITH HER NEAREST AND DEAREST

- Rick Egusquiza

As the fourth of 12 children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly Parton relied on her family for companionship, support, community and love. Now she's repaying their devotion with a group of projects that share the spotlight with them. "My uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years, helping me develop my music," says Dolly, 78. "I owe so much to him and all the family members, past and present, who have inspired me along this journey."

Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA - Family, Faith & Fables is an album and docuseries due out in November that trace Dolly's family tree from Great Britain in the 1600s to Sevier County, Tenn., and reveal the passion for music they all inherited. "Dolly is getting older and, she'll tell you this herself, but the closer you get to dying the more you think about your family and your legacy," says a friend of the star. "She wanted to honor her roots and the people who inspired her along the way. She wouldn't be where she is today without them."