Dolly Parton’s older brother David Parton dies at the age of 82

Dolly Parton’s older brother David Parton has passed away, Stella Parton shared on social media on November 15. He was 82.

Stella Parton, the “Jolene” singer’s younger sister, shared a tribute to David Parton on Facebook, writing, “It’s never easy to lose a loved one.”

“My amazing brother David Parton passed away in the early morning hours,” she said in her post on Friday.

Stella Parton, 75, also posted on Threads on November 15, saying her brother “finally got his angel wings. RIP dear soul. I love you forever.”

According to an obituary on Farrar Funeral Home’s website, David Parton died at home in White Pine, Tennessee, on November 15. The obituary did not mention a cause of death.

Dolly Parton has not publicly commented on her brother’s death. TODAY.com reached out to Dolly Parton’s reps but did not hear back by time of publication.

David Parton was a retired bridge construction superintendent who worked on bridges in areas around Knoxville, Tennessee, according to the obituary. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Parton, his “nephew/son” Lucas Townsend and daughters Donna Parton and Dena Lane.

Dolly Parton, 78, has eleven siblings, seven of whom are still living: Willadeene, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Freida and Rachel. David Parton was preceded in death by three brothers: Larry, who died in 1955 while an infant; Floyd, in 2018 at the age of 61; and Randy, in 2021 at age 67.