RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Dolly Parton’s older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton, has died. He was 82.
Parton died Thursday (July 23), according to an obituary shared by Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville , Tenn. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Known as Denver, Parton lived largely outside the public spotlight. According to the obituary, he worked for years as a crane operator building bridges. He was also a homestead farmer and an avid hunter.
Denver was one of 12 children born to Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton in Sevier County, Tenn. Dolly Parton has often spoken about her large family and rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains, experiences that have shaped much of her music, storytelling and public identity across her decades-long career.
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 Price. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Kay Parton, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, special nephew Mitchell Blalock and special friends Nancy Hurst and Kathy Farr.
Dolly Parton has not publicly commented on her brother’s passing, though Denver’s death marks another loss for the Parton family in recent years. Dolly’s brother Randy Parton, a singer and musician who performed with her over the years, died in 2021 at age 67. Her brother Floyd Parton, who co-wrote songs including 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 death, Dolly shared a statement reflecting on the family’s faith. “The family and I are grieving his loss but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time,” she wrote at the time. “We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God.”
Dolly Parton remains one of the most influential artists in country music history. Across her decades-long career, she has placed 25 songs at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and released the rock album Rockstar the following year.
Parton also recently announced Dolly: A True Original Musical , a Broadway-bound production based on her life and career.
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