Dolly Parton's Older Brother, Coy "Denver" Parton, Has Died at 82
Dolly Parton's family is mourning the loss of her older brother, Coy "Denver" Parton, who passed away July 23 at age 82.
Denver Parton lived a life rooted firmly in Tennessee soil — working as a crane operator, running a homestead farm, and staying an avid hunter throughout his years, according to his online obituary.
He was one of 12 children born to Avie Lee Owens Parton and Robert Lee Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee — the same close-knit family that raised the country music icon. A 2025 profile once described him as arguably the most private member of the entire Parton clan, someone who largely stayed out of the spotlight his famous sister has lived under for decades.
Family Left Behind
According to his obituary, Denver is survived by his two daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton, along with a grandson, Ian Parton. His brother Bobby Parton remains among his siblings, alongside seven sisters: Willadeene Buzzeo, Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, Cassie Griffith, Freida Parton, Rachel George, and Laura Price.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Parton, both of his parents, and four brothers — including singer Randy Parton, who died in 2021. Following Randy's passing, Dolly spoke publicly about her family's faith, describing a belief that their late loved ones had been welcomed into the next life with open arms.
Services for Denver Parton will be held privately, per the obituary.
A Difficult Stretch For The Parton Family
Denver's death lands at a hard moment for the family, coming not long after Dolly's own health struggles became public. Back in May, the 80-year-old singer canceled a run of Las Vegas concerts, revealing she'd been quietly dealing with a string of medical issues over the past several years, including kidney stones. That announcement followed months of concern among fans, sparked after her sister Freida had asked publicly for prayers on Dolly's behalf the previous October.
Dolly herself described the toll it had taken, saying her immune and digestive systems had been thrown off balance over recent years, and that doctors were working to help her body recover — comparing herself, in typical Dolly fashion, to a classic car that comes back better than ever once it's properly restored.
Representatives for Dolly Parton have not yet responded to requests for comment on her brother's passing.
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