Details of David, Dolly Parton’s brother, passing away
The Parton family experiences heartache once more as they say goodbye to a cherished loved one and leave a loving legacy.

On November 15, David Parton, Dolly Parton’s brother, died at his home in White Pine, Tennessee. He was eighty-two years old.
Dolly hasn’t spoken on the loss yet, but her sister Stella shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) and said she was comforted by his calm passing.
Stella said that everyone who knew David affectionately called him “sweet David.” He was a gentle, loving, and caring man. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, she added.
David was also a successful bridge-building superintendent for Simpson Construction, greatly influencing projects in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay, daughters, Donna and Dena, “nephew/son,” Lucas Townsend, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dolly and Stella are his surviving siblings, along with Denver, Bobby, Willadene, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel.
The funeral service for David’s family will take place at Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine on November 19. The visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. His burial will take place at Dandridge Memorial Gardens the following day.
The family released a statement expressing gratitude to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, and the carers who assisted David in his final days.
The tragic loss of David adds to the Parton family’s anguish. He died before his parents, Robert and Avie Lee, his baby son, Donnie, and his three brothers, Larry, Floyd, and Randy.
Randy lost his battle with illness and died in January 2021. In a heartfelt Facebook message following his death, Dolly shared her family’s sorrow and their faith as a source of comfort.
In a letter, Dolly stated, “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 to have welcomed him with joy and open arms.”

Randy, who performed in her band for many years and conducted his own show at Dollywood since its inception in 1986, was a gifted singer, songwriter, and entertainer, according to Dolly.
They also performed duets, including one she referred to as a career high point, “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.”
The duet “You Are My Christmas,” which was on Dolly’s Christmas CD and featured his daughter Heidi, is one of her favourite Randy songs. “He shined on his final musical recording, just like he’s shining in heaven right now,” she remarked.
Randy’s surviving family includes Heidi, his wife Deb, his other daughter Sabyn, and his two grandchildren Trent and Huston.

At the age of 61, country music artist Floyd Parton passed away in December 2018. Atchley Funeral Home in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, wrote an obituary describing Floyd as a “renaissance man…a man of many talents and areas of knowledge.”
The obituary highlighted his amazing culinary skills, his deep knowledge of the natural world, and his love of the great outdoors.
Additionally, Floyd received recognition for his musical efforts, which included writing the popular song “Nickels and Dimes” from Dolly’s 1978 “Heartbreaker” album and the 1991 No. 1 duet “Rockin’ Years,” which was recorded by Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton.

On social media, Stella expressed her love and grief while recalling her religion and her time with Floyd’s deceased sibling. Meanwhile, Dolly chose not to publicly address Floyd’s passing.

Long after his birth, in 1955, Larry Parton, the youngest sibling, died. Robert and Avie Lee Parton, their parents, died in 2000 and 2003, respectively.
Even though the family is grieving yet another terrible loss, David’s unwavering devotion, love, and generosity leave a lasting impact that will be much valued.