Dolly’s brother, David Wilburn Parton, has died. He was 82.
Stella Parton, the singer’s sister, revealed their brother’s death in a post on X (previously Twitter) on Friday, November 15.
“My brother David passed away peacefully this morning,” the 75-year-old wrote. “It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but he got his angel wings and is now at peace.”
Stella added in a second Facebook post, “It’s never easy to lose a loved one,” and mentioned that her brother died “in the early hours of the morning.” On Threads, she wrote, “My brother David departed from us this morning.” He eventually received his angel wings. RIP, wonderful soul. “I love you forever.”
On Friday, November 15, in White Pine, Tennessee, David, also known as David W. Parton, “passed away at his home,” according to an online obituary. The cause of death remained undisclosed.
Dolly, 78, has yet to make any public statements on her brother’s death.
People have reached out to Stella and Dolly’s agents for more comment.
David was a former bridge builder and superintendent with Simpson Construction when he died. According to the obituary, he worked in Tennessee’s Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville districts.
“The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, his Cornerstone caregiver, Aubrie Smith, and caregiver, Robin Schmidt,” reads the note.
David was the second oldest of 11 Parton siblings, including Willadeene, 84, Coy, 81, Dolly, Robert Jr., 76, Stella, Cassie, 73, Freida, 67, and Rachel, 65, as well as Randy, Larry, and Floyd, all of whom have died.
Unlike his renowned sisters, David remained out of the spotlight throughout his life.
In addition to his siblings, he is left by his wife of 45 years, Kay Parton, and two daughters, Donna and Dena, Lucas, who is characterized in the obituary as a “nephew/son,” grandkids, and great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will attend the funeral on Tuesday, November 19, at Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine.
David’s death comes nearly four years after his brother Randy died of cancer at the age of 67 in 2021 and six years after his brother Floyd died at the age of 61 in December 2018.
Dolly earlier stated in a Facebook post regarding Randy’s death, “My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer.” The family and I are grieving his loss, but we know he is in a better place than we are at the moment.”
“As a family of faith, we trust in God’s safety and the presence of our departed family members, who have welcomed him with joy and open arms.”