The Duttons honor Mom Sheila for Mother’s Day

One of the best known and most beloved mothers in Branson is Sheila Dutton, matriarch of The Dutton family.

Sheila, who was married to Dean, the love of her life, for 57 years before his passing, is the mother of 14 children—seven biological children and seven who joined the family through adoption. Sheila is the proud grandmother to 32, and recently became a great grandmother for the first time.

An accomplished musician and a brilliant businesswoman, Sheila is the driving force behind the success of all of The Duttons endeavors—theaters in both Branson and Mesa, Arizona, a motel and a gift shop. Sheila's biggest priorities have always remained the same—her faith, her family and her music.

As Mother's Day approaches, four of Sheila's children shared some insight on their beautiful and talented mom. 

QUESTION: How was your mother instrumental in establishing your musical careers?

Amy:  "My mother was instrumental in shaping my musical journey. She is the reason I am where I am today. From the time I was a small child, she sat beside me every morning, practicing with patience and purpose. In those quiet moments, she instilled in me a deep work ethic and an unshakable sense of security. Her love didn't just guide me—it formed the foundation of who I've become, both as a musician and as a person."

Abigail: "My mom took us to music lessons from the time we were just four years old. The idea was to have something to do every day and to learn how to work hard. That instilled in me a love for music."

Jenny: "Mom is the reason we each started in music, but not because she wanted us to have a musical career. Her only goal was to use music as a method to teach discipline. What she taught us was to work hard and to strive to be the best we could be. The career was a secondary benefit."

Tim: "Mom would dedicate time to sit with each of us to encourage us to practice and actually practice with us. She would play the notes on the piano while we played the part on the violin. I remember two games she would play with us. One was First One to Five. If I played it correctly, I got a point. If not, Mom got the point. The second game was Playing for Pennies. Each time I played the section, I got a WHOLE PENNY!"

QUESTION: What role has she played, as your careers have progressed?

Amy: "As we grew into professionals, my mother stepped in as the CEO of our business, with wisdom and vision. In the early years, she was our show director, guiding us with care before passing that role on to me. She has a sharp business mind and a natural grace in every interaction, leading in a way that is both strong and deeply genuine."

Abigail: "She has always been my biggest cheerleader. Always encouraging me to do hard things and to work hard to be my best."

Jenny: "Mom was instrumental in the success of our family's business and in our musical careers. Her 'can do' attitude and willingness to work as hard or harder than all of us has helped each of us be more successful in our own right."

Tim: "Mom was most often the visionary who thought of creative, new, big ideas for keeping our business earning and supporting our families. "

QUESTION: What traits do you admire most about your mother?

Amy: "What I love most about my mom is the way she lives—with tireless dedication, creativity and a truly pure heart. She's always been full of great ideas and the kind of hard worker who leads by example. Above all, she has always shown me what it means to be a loving wife and a devoted mother, and that example has shaped me more than words can say."

Abigail: "She is the sweetest person you'll ever meet, but also hard as nails."

Jenny: "I admire my mom's strength and determination. She is not afraid to tackle challenges or learn new things at any age!"

Tim: "Mom is the first one to chip in and help when there is any need. I remember her staying up late with me as a schoolboy to complete many school projects. I watch her notice and contribute even when it's not expected."

QUESTION: What is the best advice your mother has given you?

Amy:  "The best advice my mom has given me is simple: Treat others with respect and kindness, and work hard. Those lessons have stayed with me and are the legacy she's passed on to all of us."

Abigail:  "To always think before I speak. It will avoid a lot of problems if I just do this one thing. I can be a bit impulsive. My mom, on the other hand, always has the best responses in every situation."

Jenny: "How important it is to build and maintain strong relationships with family."

Tim: "To give 100% commitment as a husband and father."

QUESTION: What sets your mom apart and makes her amazing?

Amy: "My mom is truly one of a kind. She has a rare creativity, an unmatched work ethic and a heart that gives so selflessly to others. She's the only woman I know who can do anything she sets her mind to, and everything she does comes from a place of love. She's a legend."

Abigail: "She is legendary for making people feel like they are the most important person ever. Or, that something was their idea. She makes connections with people that last forever. Everyone loves my mom."

Jenny: "Mom is amazing in how she seems to be getting younger instead of older. She hiked to the top of Angel's Landing in Utah this year at age 78, which is practically unheard of, given the 1,500-foot elevation gain and the 1.1-mile round trip on a 'fin' of vertical sandstone, with steep drop-offs on each side of over 1,400 feet and chains to hold onto in the most strenuous parts."

Tim: "Her attitude that anything is possible when you put your mind to it!"

The Duttons, America's Most Musical Family, perform at The Dutton Immersive Theater, 3454 West 76 Country Boulevard. For show times and information, visit their website, www.theduttons.com or call the box office, 417-332-2772.