Featured Artist
Floyd Parton
Born 1957
Floyd Estel Parton was more than just a songwriter — he was a musician, poet, storyteller, outdoorsman, nature enthusiast, and even a skilled cook. But his greatest passion was music, with a deep connection to the Smoky Mountains and his family’s rich musical heritage.
Biography
Floyd Parton and his twin sister Frieda embraced the family’s musical roots early on. In 1975, he joined sister Dolly’s Travelin’ Family Band as a backup singer and musician. A gifted songwriter, Floyd hit his stride in the 1980s, co-writing songs with brother Randy and appearing in the film Rhinestone, performing “Waltz Me to Heaven.”
His biggest success came with the 1991 #1 hit “Rockin’ Years,” recorded by Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton, earning him ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honors. Though he avoided the spotlight, Floyd continued writing and performing, often at Dollywood. He passed away in 2018 at 61. In 2025, his work was honored with the official release of The Singer, The Songwriter—a collection of demos showcasing his remarkable talent.
