American country music singer and actor (1953–2021)
Randy Parton |
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| Birth name | Randle Huston Parton |
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| Born | (1953-12-15)December 15, 1953
Sevierville, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Died | January 21, 2021(2021-01-21) (aged 67)
Sevierville, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Genres | Country |
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| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, actor |
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| Instrument(s) | Bass, Guitar |
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| Years active | 1977–2021 |
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| Labels | RCA |
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Musical artist
Randle 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 a younger brother of singer-songwriters Dolly and Stella Parton and an older brother of former actress Rachel Parton George.
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]
