Dolly Parton’s Eldest Brother David Passes Away After Singer Also Bid Sad Farewell To Two Younger Brothers

Nov 18, 2024

When it comes to country music royalty, Dolly Parton is easily one of the most iconic names in the business. But just like everybody else, she has endured her fair share of grief and loss. In November 2024, she bid farewell to her older brother, David Parton, who passed away at 82.

Born on Jan. 19, 1946, Dolly was raised in Tennessee and was the fourth of 12 children. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was an illiterate sharecropper, while her mother, Avie Lee Parton, regaled her children with stories and ballads. Although the children grew up in poverty, they were tight-knit and had music to brighten up their days. Robert passed away in 2000, while Avie died in 2003. Both were incredibly supportive of Dolly’s career in music. 

“I grew up in a very musical family,” Dolly once said, which was echoed by her sister Rachel Dennison, who remarked, “Singing was like breathing at home.” 

Also feeling the music was one of Dolly’s younger brothers, Floyd Parton. Born in 1957, Floyd followed his sister’s footsteps into entertainment and became a successful singer and songwriter. He shares credit for writing two songs – “Nickels and Dimes” and “Rockin’ Years” – with Dolly, both of which shot to No. 1 on the charts.

Sadly, Floyd passed away in 2018 at 61. Dolly paid tribute to him at a private memorial service, during which she also performed a song in his memory. 

“Yesterday, we laid our sweet baby brother to rest. We all sang his lovely song, ‘Rockin’ Years,’ together as a family at the service to say goodbye to him. He lived a short life of love and beautiful songs,” Dolly and her family said in a statement released after Floyd’s funeral. 

The love of music also passed to Dolly’s younger brother, Randy Parton, who also became a successful singer-songwriter. Born in 1953, Randy passed away in 2021 following a battle with cancer. Upon his passing, Dolly paid tribute to him on social media, writing that he was “a great singer, writer, and entertainer.”

“He sang, played guitar and bass in my band for many years. He headed his own show at Dollywood since it opened in 1986. 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 own career.”

On Nov. 15, 2024, Dolly bid farewell to another brother, David Parton, who passed away at his home in White Pine, Tennessee. David was born in 1942 and spent a career in construction, retiring as a bridge builder superintendent from Simpson Construction after working on various bridges in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Parton, three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. While Dolly did not release any messages to the public following his death, their sister Stella Parton took to social media to make the announcement.

“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,” she wrote in a post, followed shortly by another in which she shared some fond memories.

“My brother David was always referred to as sweet David because of his kindness,loyalty and soft spoken demeanor. He was also a US Marine,” she remembered.

Our condolences go out to Dolly and her family in this difficult time. Do you have fond memories of the Parton family’s music or legacy? Let us know, then pass this along to friends and family who love this musical family, too.