Dolly Parton’s Older Brother, David Parton, Has Died At 82

Terry WyattWireImage via Getty Images and Farrar Funeral Home

David Wilbur Parton, the older brother of country music legend Dolly Parton, passed away Friday (November 15) at his home in White Pine, Tennessee. He was 82.

Dolly’s sister, Stella, shared the news of David’s death on her social media pages, saying, “My brother David passed away peacefully this morning. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one but he got his angel wings and is now at peace.”
Stella Parton/X
David was the second of 12 children born to Robert and Avie Lee Parton, and was the oldest son. According to his obituary, he was a retired bridge builder superintendent and lived in White Pine with his wife of 45 years, Kay. He is survived by Kay, two daughters, a nephew/son, and several grandchildren. He is also survived by 7 of his siblings: Sisters Willadeene, Dolly, Stella, Cassie, Frieda, and Rachel, and brothers Coy and Bobby.

Three of David’s brothers preceded him in death. In 2021, Randy Parton passed away at the age of 67 after a valiant battle with cancer. Floyd Parton died at the age of 61 in 2018. And Larry passed away at just four days old in July 1955.

Dolly opened up about Larry’s death ahead of the release of her 2015 Christmas movie, “A Coat of Many Colors.” She told the press:

“My mother, through the years, when we were born, since there were so many of us, used to say, ‘This one is gonna be you baby.’” Parton told TV critics at the time. “That just meant that you got to take extra care of it. You have got to get up with it at night and rock it back and forth. This particular baby that passed away in the movie was my baby.”

As of press time, Dolly hasn’t spoken out about David’s recent death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parton family as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.