Dolly Parton Mourns the Loss of Her Beloved Brother Randy: “He’s Shining in Heaven Now”

In a deeply emotional statement shared with fans, country music icon Dolly Parton confirmed the heartbreaking news that her younger brother, Randy Parton, passed away at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with cancer. Randy, the eighth of the 12 Parton siblings, died just days after Dolly’s 75th birthday, leaving a profound void in the tight-knit East Tennessee family.

Dolly took to Facebook on Thursday morning to share the news with grace, love, and unwavering faith. “My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer. The family and I are grieving his loss, but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time,” she wrote. “We are a family of faith, and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is joined by members of the family that have gone on before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms.”

Randy Parton wasn’t just Dolly’s brother—he was a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer in his own right. He played guitar and bass in Dolly’s band for many years and was a familiar face at Dollywood, where he headlined his own show since the park opened in 1986. His love for music echoed throughout his life and career, and his contributions to the Parton family legacy are cherished by fans around the world.

“He was a great singer, writer, and entertainer,” Dolly added. “He’s had several chart records of his own, but his duet with me on ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You’ will always be a highlight in my career.”

One of the most personal musical memories Dolly shared with Randy was the Christmas duet “You Are My Christmas,” which also featured his daughter Heidi. Dolly said this final recording would remain especially close to her heart. “It was his last musical recording,” she wrote, “and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now.”

Born on December 15, 1953, in Sevierville, Tennessee, Randy inherited the musical spark that defines the Parton family. Beyond his performances with Dolly, he carved out his own path, releasing Top 40 country singles like “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me” and “Shot Full of Love.” His voice, though rooted in the hills of Appalachia, resonated with audiences far and wide.

Fans of the Parton family know how much Dolly treasures her roots and her siblings. In past interviews, she fondly spoke of the traditions they shared—particularly her famous holiday dumplings. “I make the best dumplings ever, ever, ever,” she once said. “I even make little containers of it and give to my brothers and sisters for Christmas.” Now, one less seat will be filled at that cherished holiday table.

Randy’s passing comes a little over two years after the loss of another Parton sibling, Floyd, who died in 2018 at age 61. The weight of grief is heavy, but the Parton family remains united in faith, music, and memory.

Randy is survived by his wife, Deb; daughter, Heidi; son, Sabyn; and grandsons, Huston and Trent. In closing her tribute, Dolly reminded the world that even in sorrow, there is song—and that Randy’s light hasn’t dimmed, it’s simply shining somewhere else now.

“He’s shining in heaven now.”