Dolly Parton's older brother David Parton has died aged 82

Dolly Parton's older brother, David Wilburn Parton, has died aged 82.

The 78-year-old country icon's sister, Stella Parton, shared the news on social media on Friday (November 15). The cause of death has not been disclosed.

“My brother David passed away peacefully this morning,” Stella wrote to X (formerly Twitter). “It's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but he got his angel wings and is now at peace.”

In one Facebook Posting on Saturday, Stella added, “It's never easy to lose a loved one,” and said David died “in the early hours of the morning.”

On Threadswrote Stella, “My brother David left us this morning. He finally got his angel wings. RIP dear soul. I love you forever.”

Dolly Parton had not publicly commented on her brother's death at press time.

A obituary The Farrar Funeral Home website confirmed that David Parton (listed as David W. Parton) died on November 15 at his home in White Pine, Tenn. His parents, Robert Lee and Avie Lee Owens Parton. and Larry's brothers, Floyd and Randy Parton. David retired from his role as bridge foreman at Simpson Construction.

David was one of Dolly's 11 siblings. The Parton family has dealt with other recent losses, including Randy's death in 2021 after a battle with cancer at age 67. Floyd Parton also died in December 2018 at the age of 61.

At the time of Randy's death, Dolly shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying, “My brother Randy lost his battle with cancer. The family and I mourn his loss, but we know he is in a better place than we are right now. We are a family of faith, and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is with family members who have carried on in the past and welcomed him with joy and open arms.”