Dolly Parton Mourns Brother Coy ‘Denver’ Parton
Dolly Parton and her family are grieving the death of her elder sibling, Coy “Denver” Parton, who died on Thursday, July 23, at the age of 82. Although the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Atchley Funeral Home confirmed the news through an obituary.
Denver’s Life and Career
Throughout his life, Denver was a dedicated crane operator, contributing to the construction of bridges across Tennessee. In addition to his professional endeavors, he enjoyed homesteading and was passionate about hunting.
A Private Life Among a Famous Family
Despite being part of one of country music’s most famous families, Denver led a relatively private life. He was one of twelve children born to Avie Lee Owens Parton and Robert Lee Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee.
Survived by Family
According to USA TODAY, Denver is survived by his two daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton, as well as his grandson Ian Parton. He also leaves behind his brother Bobby Parton and several sisters, including Willadeene Buzzeo, Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, Cassie Griffith, Freida Parton, Rachel George, and Laura Price. His wife, Carolyn Parton, and his parents preceded him in death.
Recent Losses in the Family
This marks the third sibling loss for Dolly Parton in recent years, following the deaths of Randy Parton in January 2021, Floyd Parton in December 2018, and David Parton in November 2024.
Funeral Arrangements
The obituary states that the funeral services will be private. Those wishing to express their condolences can do so via Atchley Funeral Home.
Dolly’s Ongoing Health Journey
As of now, Dolly Parton has not publicly commented on her brother’s passing. The country music legend is navigating a challenging year following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025. Additionally, she has been open about her own health struggles, which include treatment for kidney stones and ongoing issues related to her immune and digestive systems. Consequently, she had to postpone her Las Vegas residency, originally set for December 2025, now rescheduled to September 2026.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, Parton remains active in various projects, including the opening of her Nashville museum and hotel, as well as the musical “DOLLY: A True Original.” Recently, she made an appearance at the opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop.
In a video message shared with fans in May, Parton reassured them that she is responding well to treatment and needs more time before returning to live performances. She likened herself to an “old classic car” that requires restoration but will emerge “better than ever.” While focused on her physical recovery, she affirmed that her mental health is in a good place.
Source: countrynow.com