Dolly Parton’s Older Brother David Dies at 82, Sister Stella Parton Says: ‘He Got His Angel Wings’

David Wilburn Parton, Dolly Parton’s brother, passed away. He was eighty-two.

On Friday, November 15, Stella Parton, the singer’s sister, posted on X (previously Twitter) to announce their brother’s passing.

The 75-year-old added, “My brother David passed away peacefully this morning.” “He received his angel wings and is now at peace, but saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy.”

In a another Facebook post, Stella stated that her brother passed away “in the early hours of the morning” and that “it’s never easy to lose a loved one.” “My brother David left us this morning,” she said on Threads. At last, he received his angel wings. Rest in peace, my beautiful soul. Love you always.”

David, identified as David W. Parton, “passed away at his home” on Friday, November 15 in White Pine, Tennessee, according to an online obituary published on the same day. There was no indication of the cause of death.

Dolly, 78, has not yet made any public remarks regarding her brother’s passing.

Representatives for Stella and Dolly have been contacted by PEOPLE for additional comment.

David was a former superintendent of bridge construction with Simpson Construction at the time of his passing. According to the obituary, he had worked in Knoxville, Johnson City, and Kingsport, among other places in Tennessee.

 

“Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, his Cornerstone caregiver, Aubrie Smith, and caregiver, Robin Schmidt, are especially appreciated by the family,” the statement stated.

David was the second oldest of the 11 Parton siblings, who also included the already-deceased Randy, Larry, and Floyd, as well as Willadeene, 84, Coy, 81, Dolly, Robert Jr., 76, Stella, Cassie, 73, Freida, 67, and Rachel, 65.3

 

In contrast to his well-known sisters, David avoided the limelight during his lifetime.

His surviving family members include his siblings, his 45-year wife, Kay Parton, two daughters, Donna and Dena, and Lucas, who the obituary refers to as a “nephew/son,” as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to the funeral, which will take place at Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine on Tuesday, November 19.

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David passed away six years after his brother Floyd, who passed away in December 2018 at the age of 61, and almost four years after his brother Randy, who passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 67.

“My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer,” Dolly previously wrote in a Facebook message after his death. Though we know he is in a better place than we are right now, the family and I are still grieving his passing.”

“We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is joined by members of the family that have gone on before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms.”