Dolly Parton's brother Coy 'Denver' Parton dies a year after her husband Carl Dean's death
SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE: A year after her husband Carl Dean’s death, Dolly Parton has now lost her older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton.
Coy was 82 when he died on Thursday, July 23, in Sevierville, Tennessee, as per an obituary shared by Atchley Funeral Home. The reason behind his death has not been disclosed.
Coy 'Denver' Parton is the fifth brother Dolly Parton has lost
The Sevierville native, a crane operator, homestead farmer, and avid hunter, was one of Dolly's 11 siblings. The country music icon had lost brothers — Larry Parton, David Parton, Randy Parton, and Floyd Parton — in the past.
The 80-year-old has, however, not issued any statement yet.
According to Coy’s obituary, he’s survived by “his daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton; grandson, Ian Parton and fiancée Taylor York.”
He also leaves behind “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.”
Stella Parton talks about 'emotional paralysis' after losing family members
Dolly’s sister Stella Parton issued a statement to PEOPLE following the loss. She said, “My brother Denver was a deeply private person. I appreciate the kind messages and expressions of condolences on behalf of my nieces Chris and Jennifer, and the rest of my family.”
Last month, the 77-year-old singer had opened up about losing her siblings in the last few years.
“Growing up with so many siblings, we were very emotionally connected, and still are in a real emotional way. It’s a soul connection. So this whole thing was kind of like emotional paralysis for me in a strange sort of way. Grief has really been a writer’s block for me,” she shared.
Dolly Parton lost her husband Carl Dean last March
Meanwhile, Dolly had spoken about her husband’s death in March 2025. The icon said, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Also, around the time, the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer had not disclosed her health issues but noted, “My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past three years. And [doctors] are working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those.”
“Just think of me as like an old classic car, that once restored can be better than ever,” Dolly added.
