Family isn’t for everyone. Sometimes the people in your family tree irk you beyond belief. And that’s understandable. But other times, family is exactly what you need and who you need to be around. Sometimes you can even make beautiful music together. And when it comes to these three country artists, that is very much the case.
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We wanted to explore three examples of country stars performing with family members and making it an event. Indeed, these are three country singers who made performing with their family a standard operating procedure.
Willie Nelson
Country icon Willie Nelson has a big musical family. Not only is his son Lukas a rising star in the country genre, having written songs for the recent hit film A Star Is Born and released his own hit tunes, but the Nelson family has also put out entire albums that celebrate their bonds. Indeed, in 2021, the collective released the LP, The Willie Nelson Family, which featured sons Lukas and Micah, daughters Paula and Amy, and sister Bobbie. The album is a testament both to the Nelson talent pool and family closeness.
Dolly Parton
Born in tiny Pittman Center, Tennessee, Dolly Parton grew up amongst a giant family. It was also a musical family, she has said many times. With 11 siblings, Parton grew up singing. Often, that meant singing with her kin. In fact, while none of her siblings became as famous as her, some have enjoyed some success in the limelight, including sisters Stella and Rachel. (Above, Parton is performing with Stella and sister Cassie.) Not only that, but Dolly is often seen collaborating with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. She knows the value of family, and family has been an important part of her career.
Garth Brooks
There is a history of husband-and-wife country duos rocking the charts and big stages. From Johnny Cash and June Carter to Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Indeed, Garth and Trisha are one of the most recent examples. Though, even more recently Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn have been adding their names to the list. As a duo, Garth and Trisha are powerful and compelling. They complement one another like kindred spirits, both musically and with great heart. They are country royalty, no doubt about it.
Photo by Katherine Bomboy/NBC











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