The older brother of music legend Dolly Parton, Coy ‘Denver’ Parton, has passed away at the age of 82 as the iconic singer sufferers a second heartbreak after the death of her husband last year
Dolly Parton has suffered fresh heartbreak just a year after the tragic death of her husband, Carl Dean, as he older brother has passed away.
Coy ‘Denver’ Parton, who was described as the “most private” member of the family, sadly passed away at the age of 82 on July 23.
Dolly is one of 12 children born to Avie Lee Owens Parton and Robert Lee Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee. Only eight of the Parton siblings are still alive today with seven sisters and one brother.
The music legend is yet to publicly comment on the death of her brother, who is survived by his two daughters and a grandson.
However, an obituary was shared by the Atchley Funeral Home confirming Coy’s death, who preferred to go by the name Denver.
The obituary read: “Coy “Denver” Parton, age 82 of Sevierville passed away Thursday July 23, 2026. Denver was a crane operator building bridges for years. He was also a homestead farmer and an avid hunter.
“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.
“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.”
The obituary ended by stating that the “services will be private”.
Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died aged 82 in March last year. Dolly shared the news of his death on March 3, which was weeks before the couple would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.
She also released a new song in tribute to Carl called ‘If You Hadn’t Been There’.
In a post on Instagram at the time, she said: “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” Parton wrote. “We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
