Dolly Parton and Family Mourn Brother’s Death: ‘He Has Angel Wings and Is at Peace’

Dolly Parton and Her Family Mourn the Passing of the Country Legend’s Brother

Dolly Parton is experiencing profound sorrow following the death of her older brother, David Parton, who passed away at the age of 82. The tragic news was confirmed by Dolly’s sister, Stella Parton, who shared that David left this world peacefully.

David’s passing marks the fourth loss among Dolly’s siblings. Stella took to social media to express her heartache, stating, “It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but he got his angel wings and is now at peace.” As of now, Dolly has not yet released an official statement regarding her brother’s death, and the family has kept details about his passing private.

David Parton was one of eleven siblings born to Robert and Avie Lee Parton in a large, close-knit family. The Parton clan is made up of six boys and six girls, including Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Dolly Rebecca, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston “Randy,” Larry Gerald, Estel Floyd, Freida Estelle, and Rachel Ann.

Tragedy has cast a shadow over the Parton family before. David is the fourth brother to pass away; Larry tragically died shortly after birth, Floyd passed away in 2018 at the age of 61, and Randy succumbed to cancer in 2021 at 67.

Reflecting on their humble beginnings in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, the Parton family lived in a modest two-room cabin on a working farm. Dolly has often shared fond memories of her childhood, highlighting how the family’s love and shared meals shaped their lives. In a recent promotional effort for her cookbook “Good Lookin’ Cookin’,” which she worked on with her sister Rachel, Dolly recounted the influence of their upbringing on the recipes they cherish.

A favorite dish that resonates deeply in their family is their mother’s Skillet Cornbread, a tradition Rachel learned to whip up by the age of five. Dolly shared, “It’s one of my favorite dishes, period.” She reminisced about family meals, stating, “If I’m making potato soup or a big pot of beans, you have got to have a skillet of cornbread with that.” She elaborated on their farming lifestyle, detailing how they would grow their own corn and prepare various corn dishes throughout the year.

The emphasis on food has always been a significant part of the Parton family experience, serving as a connection to one another through shared meals and cherished memories.