Coy “Denver” Parton, the older brother of Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82.

Parton died on Thursday (July 23), as reported in an obituary from Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville, Tennessee. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Known as Denver, he lived mostly away from the public eye. According to the obituary, he spent many years working as a crane operator on bridge construction projects. Additionally, he was a homestead farmer and enjoyed hunting.

Denver was one of twelve children born to Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee. Dolly Parton has frequently shared stories about her large family and rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains, experiences that have significantly influenced her music, storytelling, and public persona throughout her extensive career.

Denver is survived by his daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton; grandson Ian Parton and his fiancée, Taylor York; brother Bobby Parton; and sisters Willadeene Buzzeo, Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, Cassie Griffith, Freida Parton, Rachel George, and Laura Price. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Kay Parton, along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, special nephew Mitchell Blalock, and close friends Nancy Hurst and Kathy Farr.

Dolly Parton has not made any public comments regarding her brother’s death; however, Denver’s passing represents another loss for the Parton family in recent years. Dolly’s brother Randy Parton, a singer and musician who performed alongside her over the years, passed away in 2021 at the age of 67. Her brother Floyd Parton, who co-wrote songs including Dolly’s “Rockin’ Years,” died in 2018. Her brother David Parton passed away in 2024, and Dolly’s husband Carl Dean died in March 2025.

In the wake of Randy’s death, Dolly expressed her family’s faith through a statement. “The family and I are grieving his loss but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time,” she stated then. “We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God.”

Dolly Parton continues to be one of the most influential artists in country music history. Over her extensive career, she has achieved 25 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.” She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and released the rock album Rockstar the following year.

Parton also recently announced Dolly: A True Original Musical, a Broadway-bound production inspired by her life and career.