Dolly’s brother, David Wilburn Parton, died. He was 82 years old.
Stella Parton, the singer’s sister, announced their brother’s death on X (previously Twitter) on Friday, November 15.
“My brother David passed away peacefully this morning,” the 75-year-old continued. “He is now at peace after receiving his angel wings, but it’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one.”
In a second Facebook post, Stella added that her brother had died “in the early hours of the morning,” adding that it’s never easy to lose a loved one. She said on Threads, “My brother David left us this morning.” He eventually received angel wings. Peace be with you, wonderful spirit. “I love you and I always will.”
David, whose real name was David W. Parton, “passed away at his home” in White Pine, Tennessee, on Friday, November 15, according to an online obituary. There was no indication of the cause of death.
People have reached out to Stella and Dolly’s agents for more details.
David worked for Simpson Construction as a bridge constructor and superintendent at the time of his death. According to the obituary, he worked in Tennessee’s Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville areas.
The statement says, “The family is especially grateful to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, his Cornerstone caregiver, Aubrie Smith, and caregiver, Robin Schmidt.”
Willadeene, 84; Coy, 81; Dolly; Robert Jr., 76; Stella; Cassie, 73; Freida, 67; Rachel, 65; and the late Randy, Larry, and Floyd were among the 11 Parton siblings of whom David was the second oldest.
Unlike his well-known sisters, David spent his whole life out of the spotlight.
His siblings, his 45-year wife, Kay Parton, two daughters, Donna and Dena, Lucas, who the obituary refers to as a “nephew/son,” grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are all left behind.
David’s death comes six years after his brother Floyd died in December 2018 at the age of 61 and nearly four years after his brother Randy died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 67.
“My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer,” Dolly wrote in an earlier Facebook post regarding Randy’s death. The family and I are still in mourning for Dad’s departure, even though we know he is in a better place than we are at the moment.
“As a religious family, we believe in God’s protection and the presence of our departed family members, who have joyfully and fully embraced him.”
