Dolly Parton’s family is mourning the death of her brother Coy “Denver” Parton, who passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of 82.
Denver Parton was the third of twelve children born to Robert and Avie Lee Parton and spent his life in Sevierville, Tennessee. While several of his siblings pursued careers in the entertainment industry following in Dolly’s footsteps, Denver deliberately kept a low profile throughout her rise to stardom. According to an obituary published by Atchley Funeral Home, he worked as a crane operator and homestead farmer and was an avid hunter.
A Family Marked by Recent Loss
Denver’s death lands less than two years after the Parton family lost another sibling — older brother David, who died in November 2024, also at the age of 82. Denver was further preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Parton; his parents, Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton; an infant brother, Larry Parton; younger brothers Randy and Floyd Parton; niece Tever Parton, daughter of Randy Parton; and brothers-in-law Carl Dean, husband of Dolly, and Ray Buzzeo, husband of Willadeene.
Surviving Siblings
Seven of the Parton siblings survive Denver: Willadeene, 86; Dolly, 80; Robert Lee “Bobby” Jr., 78; Stella, 77; Cassie, 75; Frieda, 69; and Rachel, 66. The family has not made any additional public statements beyond what was included in the funeral home’s obituary.
