Dolly Parton’s brother Coy “Denver” Parton died Thursday, July 23rd at 82 years old.
An obituary for the iconic country singer’s older brother was posted by Atchley Funeral Home of Tennessee and said he was a crane operator who spent years building bridges and homestead farmer as well as an avid hunter. A cause of death was not mentioned. A private service will be held later, according to the obituary.
“He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Parton; father, Lee Parton; mother, Avie Lee Owens Parton; infant brother, Larry Parton; older brother, David Parton; younger brothers, Randy and Floyd Parton; niece, Tever Parton; brothers-in-law, Carl Dean and Ray Buzzeo,” the obituary said.
It continued, “Denver is survived by his daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton; grandson, Ian Parton and fiancée Taylor York; brother, Bobby Parton; sisters, Willadeene Buzzeo, Dolly Parton, Stella Parton; Cassie Griffith (Greg), Freida Parton, Rachel George (Eric), Laura Price (David); sister-in-law, Kay Parton. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins; special nephew, Mitchell Blalock; special friends, Nancy Hurst and Kathy Farr.”
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Coy was the third of 12 children born to Lee and Avie Lee Owens Parton. He was two years older than Dolly, who will turn 81 in January.
As of Monday evening, Dolly hadn’t put out a public statement about her brother’s death.
Coy’s death comes months after Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March 2025.
A Broadway musical about the country singer’s life titled DOLLY: A True Original Musical will begin Monday, December 7th at the St. James Theatre in New York City.
