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David Parton, brother of Dolly Parton, dies

(NEXSTAR) — David Parton, the older brother of beloved singer Dolly Parton, has died, according to his family. He was 82.

Their younger sister, Stella Parton, posted to Facebook on Friday, writing that her “wonderful brother David Parton passed in the early hours of the morning.” She shared a similar post on Threads, saying, “My brother David left us this morning. He finally got his angel wings. RIP dear soul. Love you forever.”


According to an obituary by Farrar Funeral Home, David Parton, of White Pine, Tennessee, passed away at his home. The former bridge builder superintendent, who was also a Marine, is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Parton, as well as multiple children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings.

No cause of death was listed in the obituary.

Dolly Parton and brother David Parton during Dolly Parton Sighting at “Morning at Seven” – October 30, 1980 at Lyceum Theater in Edinburgh, Great Britain. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the obituary says memorial donations can be made to Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine.

As of Sunday morning, Dolly Parton has not yet commented on her brother’s passing. On Friday, she did thank her family members, “past and present who have inspired me along this musical journey” while unveiling a new album, “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith & Fables.”

Dolly Parton has 11 siblings, according to TODAY, seven of whom are still alive: Stella, as well as Willadeene, Coy, Robert Jr., Cassie, Freida, and Rachel. David Parton was preceded in death by their three brothers: Larry, who died in 1955; Floyd, who died in 2018; and Randy, who died in 2021.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.