Details of Dolly Parton’s Brother David’s Death
Heartbreak strikes the Parton family again as they say goodbye to a cherished loved one and leave a loving legacy.
David Parton, Dolly Parton’s brother, died on November 15 at his home in White Pine, Tennessee. He was 82 years old.
While Dolly has not yet commented on the loss, her sister Stella shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) and offered her condolences for his peaceful passing.
Stella described David as a loving, loyal, and caring man who was affectionately called “sweet David” by those who knew him. She also highlighted his experience in the U.S. Marine Corps.
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David also had considerable success as a bridge-building superintendent for Simpson Construction, making major contributions to projects in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville.
In addition to his “nephew/son” Lucas Townsend, he is survived by his 45-year wife Kay, daughters Donna and Dena, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Along with Dolly and Stella, his siblings who are still alive are Denver, Bobby, Willadene, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel.
David’s family will hold a funeral service at Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine on November 19. At 5 p.m., the visitation will begin. He will be laid to rest in Dandridge Memorial Gardens the following day.
In a statement, the family praised Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, and the carers who assisted David in his final days.
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The loss of David adds to the Parton family’s recent sorrow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Avie Lee; his three brothers, Larry, Floyd, and Randy; and his baby son, Donnie.
Randy died in January 2021 after a battle with cancer. Following his death, Dolly sent a heartfelt Facebook tribute to him, expressing her family’s sorrow and finding comfort in their faith.
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 before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms.”
Dolly remembered Randy as a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer who played in her band for many years and ran his own show at Dollywood since its inception in 1986.
Included were their duets, including “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You,” which she described as a high moment in her career.
Dolly’s favourite memory of Randy is the duet “You Are My Christmas,” which was on his Christmas CD and featured his daughter Heidi. She remarked, “He shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now, and it was his last musical recording.”
In addition to Heidi, Randy is survived by his wife, Deb; his other daughter, Sabyn; and his two grandchildren, Trent and Huston.
Floyd Parton, a country songwriter, passed away in December 2018 at the age of 61. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee’s Atchley Funeral Home, wrote an obituary describing Floyd as a “renaissance man…a man of many talents and areas of knowledge.”
His love of the great outdoors, his deep knowledge of the natural world, and his exceptional culinary skills were highlighted in the obituary.
Floyd received recognition for his musical efforts as well, including 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.
While Dolly chose not to publicly address Floyd’s passing, Stella expressed her love and grief on social media, recalling her faith and the time she spent with his late sibling.
Larry Parton, the youngest sibling, died in 1955, a long time after his birth. Their parents, Robert and Avie Lee Parton, died in 2000 and 2003, respectively.
David’s unwavering love, kindness, and dedication leave a lasting imprint that will be much appreciated, despite the family’s ongoing struggle with yet another tragic loss.