Country music icon Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 after a private battle with cancer. She was 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news and shared it on Dolly’s official Instagram account. She was part of a big family, with 11 siblings, some of whom have sadly passed away.
Dolly Parton’s Beloved Siblings
Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owen had 12 children. In addition to Dolly, their children are: Willadeene, David, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd, Freida, and Rachel.
Dolly was the sixth Parton sibling to die: five brothers died before her, and there are six siblings left. Dolly’s siblings who are still alive are Willadeene, born on March 24, 1940; Robert Jr., born on February 18, 1948; Stella, born on May 4, 1949; Cassie, born on February 12, 1951; Freida, born on June 1, 1957; and the youngest sibling, Rachel, born on August 31, 1959, People reports.
Which Parton Siblings Have Passed Away?
The first sibling to die was Larry in 1955 when he was just four days old.
The second Parton sibling to die was Floyd Parton, who was born on June 1, 1957, in Sevierville. He died in December 2018 at the age of 61. Dolly and Floyd had collaborated, and he was her longtime songwriting partner, People reports. She paid tribute to him with a heartbreaking message, releasing a statement to People.
“Dolly, and the entire Parton Family, wish to thank everyone for their kindness,” the statement read. “Yesterday, we laid our sweet baby brother to rest. We all sang his lovely song, ‘Rockin’ Years,’ together as a family at the service to say goodbye to him. He lived a short life of love and beautiful songs.”
Randy Parton was the third sibling to pass away. Born on December 15, 1953, he died in January 2021 at age 67. Randy was a singer and entertainer who headlined his own show at Dollywood. When he died from cancer, Dolly paid tribute to him with a heartfelt message on Facebook. “My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer,” she began.
Dolly informed fans that the family was grieving, but they were a family of faith and believed God welcomed Randy “with open arms.” She continued, “Randy was a great singer, writer, and entertainer. He sang, played guitar, and bass in my band for many years. He headed his own show at Dollywood since it opened in 1986. He’s had several chart records of his own, but his duet with me on ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ will always be a highlight in my own career.”
David Parton was born in 1942 and died in 2024 at age 82. He lived a private life away from the public eye. Dolly’s most recent loss before her death was her brother Coy “Denver” Parton, who died in July 2026. He was 82. Like David, Coy also avoided the spotlight.
Dolly Parton’s Childhood & Bond With Her Siblings
The Parton family grew up in poverty, but they were incredibly close. In a 1978 interview on “Today,” Dolly shared more about their connection. “I’m extremely close to my family, and my nieces and nephews are extremely close to me,” Parton said. “I know what it feels like to know that responsibility, but it would be a while before I would want children, if I ever do. I don’t think I would miss having ‘em because I’ll always have lots of kinfolks around me.”
Parton had no children of her own, but she was an aunt to many, and loved by even more.
