Dolly Parton, 78, suffers heartbreak as family mourns: ‘It’s never easy to say goodbye’
Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton was dealt a terrible blow as the death of her beloved big brother David Wilburn Parton was announced today.
Parton’s sister Stella, 75, shared the news via social media that their 82-year-old brother David had died.
Like her sister, Stella Parton is also a singer-songwriter whose Country classic I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight was a smash-hit in 1975.
David W. Parton was a humble bridge builder superintendent who spent most of his professional life at Simpson Construction.
His work took him all around the Parton family’s home state of Tennesse, supervising essential infrastructure work in the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville area.
The 83-year-old deceased was one of 11 siblings – Willadeene, 84, Coy, 81, Dolly, Robert Jr., 76, Stella, Cassie, 73, Freida, 67, and Rachel, 65, as well as Randy, Larry and Floyd, who had already passed away.
Taking to social media, Stella Parton wrote: “My brother David passed away peacefully this morning.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. He got his angel wings and is now at peace.”
In a later post, Stella said: “My brother David was always referred to as sweet David because of his kindness, loyalty and soft-spoken demeanour. He was also a US Marine.”
The 75-year-old also shared a psalm in tribute to her brother: “Oh that I had wings of a dove, I would fly away and be at rest.”
An online obituary officially confirmed that the David “passed away at his home” on Friday in the small town of White Pine, Tennessee.
In the obituary, the family extended a “special thanks to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, his Cornerstone caregiver, Aubrie Smith & caregiver, Robin Schmidt.”
No cause of death has so far been reported.
Music icon Dolly Parton has not yet made a public statement on the sad death of her brother.
However, fans were quick to share their support for the Parton family.
One wrote: “So sorry for your loss, and how lucky he was to have two amazing sisters.”
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My brother David passed away peacefully this morning. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one but he got his angel wings and is now at peace.
— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) November 15, 2024
“May his memory always bring you and your family joy, Ms. Parton. My best wishes for peace and solace in this difficult time for you all,” another said.
A third wrote kindly: “So sorry Stella! Praying for you and Dolly!”
