Dolly Parton’s older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton, has died. He was 82.
Parton died Thursday (July 23), in response to an obituary shared by Atchley Funeral House in Sevierville, Tenn. A reason for dying was not disclosed.
Often known as Denver, Parton lived largely exterior the general public highlight. In accordance with the obituary, he labored for years as a crane operator constructing bridges. He was additionally a homestead farmer and an avid hunter.
Denver was one in all 12 youngsters born to Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton in Sevier County, Tenn. Dolly Parton has usually spoken about her massive household and rural upbringing within the Smoky Mountains, experiences which have formed a lot of her music, storytelling and public identification throughout her decades-long profession.
Denver is survived by his daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton; grandson Ian Parton and his fiancée, Taylor York; brother Bobby Parton; and sisters Willadeene Buzzeo, Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, Cassie Griffith, Freida Parton, Rachel George and Laura Worth. He’s additionally survived by his sister-in-law Kay Parton, in addition to nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, particular nephew Mitchell Blalock and particular pals Nancy Hurst and Kathy Farr.
Dolly Parton has not publicly commented on her brother’s passing, although Denver’s dying marks one other loss for the Parton household in recent times. Dolly’s brother Randy Parton, a singer and musician who carried out along with her through the years, died in 2021 at age 67. Her brother Floyd Parton, who co-wrote songs together with Dolly’s “Rockin’ Years,” died in 2018. Her brother David Parton died in 2024, and Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025.
Following Randy’s dying, Dolly shared a press release reflecting on the household’s religion. “The household and I are grieving his loss however we all know he’s in a greater place than we’re right now,” she wrote on the time. “We’re a household of religion and we imagine that he’s protected with God.”
Dolly Parton stays probably the most influential artists in nation music historical past. Throughout her decades-long profession, she has positioned 25 songs at No. 1 on Billboard’s Scorching Nation Songs chart, together with “Jolene,” “I Will All the time Love You” and “9 to five.” She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 2022 and launched the rock album Rockstar the next 12 months.
Parton additionally not too long ago introduced Dolly: A True Authentic Musical, a Broadway-bound manufacturing primarily based on her life and profession.
