Dolly Parton is facing another painful family loss after the death of her older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton, who died at age 82.
Denver passed away on July 23, according to an obituary posted by Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville, Tennessee. The obituary did not list a cause of death.
The loss comes during an already emotional stretch for the 80-year-old country music legend, who also lost her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage. Dean was 82 when he died in Nashville.
Denver, who lived a quieter life away from his sister’s global spotlight, was remembered as a retired crane operator and homestead farmer. He was one of Dolly’s 11 siblings and part of the large Tennessee family that helped shape the singer’s famously grounded outlook on life.
According to his obituary, Denver is survived by his daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton; his grandson, Ian Parton, and Ian’s fiancée, Taylor York; his brother, Bobby Parton; and 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; his parents, Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton; and several relatives, including brothers Larry, David, Randy and Floyd Parton.
Funeral arrangements are expected to remain private.
Dolly has not publicly commented on Denver’s death as of Tuesday, July 28. But the news has sparked fresh concern among fans who have watched the beloved entertainer endure several family heartbreaks in recent years.
Parton has long credited her upbringing in a poor but loving household in rural Tennessee with shaping both her career and her compassion. Raised as one of 12 children, she has often described her family as a source of strength, humor and hard-earned perspective.
In a 2023 interview with Paramore’s Hayley Williams for Consequence, Dolly reflected on what growing up with so many siblings taught her about people.
“Well, there’s a whole lot of reasons for me being the way that I am,” she said at the time. “First of all, I grew up in a family of 12 kids. I got six brothers and I got my five sisters.”
She added that being surrounded by so many different personalities helped her become more accepting and less judgmental.
The death of Denver marks another devastating chapter for Parton, who has continued working despite personal grief. Earlier this month, she announced the upcoming Broadway production “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” a stage project based on her life and career.
Still, fans are now rallying around the country icon as she mourns another member of the tight-knit family that helped make her who she is.
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