Long before Dolly Parton became a beloved icon of country music and a symbol of resilience, she endured a heartbreaking loss at the tender age of nine that left an indelible mark on her life and soul. In July 1955, Dolly’s newborn brother, Larry Gerald Parton, passed away just four days after his birth—a tragedy that shaped the young girl’s understanding of love, loss, and family.

Born on January 19, 1946, Dolly grew up as the fourth of twelve children in a large family near the Smoky Mountains of Sevier County, Tennessee. Life in such a bustling household meant that older siblings often helped care for the younger ones. Dolly eagerly embraced this role with Larry, who was born on July 6, 1955, as the family’s ninth child. She fondly recalls following her mother around during the pregnancy, singing to Larry’s unborn form and dreaming of being his protector and caregiver.

But the joy was heartbreakingly short-lived. Larry passed away on July 10, only days after entering the world. Dolly’s grief was profound. In interviews, she has described feeling “crushed” and burdened by a deep sense of guilt—an emotion rooted in her childlike hope to keep him safe and her inability to do so. The loss was not just a family tragedy; it was a formative experience that would echo throughout her life and work.

Larry’s final resting place is at Angel Hill Cemetery in Sevierville, Tennessee, close to the roots of the Parton family and near Dollywood, the theme park Dolly later created to celebrate her heritage. The family’s connection to the land and to each other is palpable, and Larry’s memory remains a poignant part of that legacy.

This tragic episode was powerfully depicted in NBC’s holiday movie A Coat of Many Colors, in which a young Dolly is shown mourning by Larry’s gravesite. Dolly herself served as an executive producer and provided voiceovers for the film, underscoring how deeply the event resonated with her. In her own words, shared in Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics (2020), she still breaks down when thinking of little Larry, revealing the enduring emotional weight of his brief life.

Larry’s death was one of several losses the Parton family faced, but for Dolly, the connection was uniquely personal—he was “her baby.” This early encounter with grief likely influenced her later artistry, infusing her songwriting with emotional depth and a heartfelt understanding of life’s fragility.

Dolly Parton’s story of loss and love as a nine-year-old girl caring for her baby brother offers fans a rare glimpse into the hardships behind the music legend. It stands as a testament to her resilience and the profound humanity that continues to inspire millions around the world.