Dolly Parton Loses a Close Family Member as Sister Stella Opens Up About a Heartfelt Statement

Country music icon and actress Dolly Parton is in mourning following the loss of a cherished family member, with her loved ones expressing their sorrow over the singer’s bereavement.

Dolly’s sister, Stella Parton, provided the family’s initial public response, sharing a touching message. So far, Dolly has not spoken publicly about the situation.

In a communication to People, Stella extended her gratitude for the condolences received while their family grieves.

"My brother Denver was a very private individual," she expressed. She continued, "I am thankful for the warm messages and expressions of sympathy on behalf of my nieces Chris and Jennifer, along with the rest of our family."

The loved one Stella was referring to is Coy ‘Denver’ Parton, who passed away at the age of 82 on July 23, 2026, as confirmed by Atchley Funeral Home.

Unlike his well-known sisters, Denver preferred to keep a low profile. His obituary reveals that he spent many years as a crane operator involved in bridge construction, in addition to enjoying homestead farming and hunting. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Carolyn Parton.

Denver is survived by his children, Chris and Jennifer; a grandson named Ian; and several siblings, including Bobby, Willadeene, Dolly, Stella, Cassie, Freida, Rachel, and Laura.

Private funeral services will take place, overseen by Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville.

Parton Family Experiences Series of Losses

One of the family’s earliest tragedies occurred in 1955, when Dolly’s infant brother, Larry, passed away only four days after birth. At that time, Dolly was just 9 years old.

According to an obituary from the same funeral home, Dolly’s father, Robert Lee Parton, passed away in 2000 at the age of 79. Three years later, her mother, Avie Lee, died at the age of 80, as noted on her Find a Grave memorial page.

The family faced another tragedy in 2018 when Floyd died at the age of 61. E! News, referencing his obituary, reported that Floyd was a songwriter who wrote "Rockin’ Years," a hit duet featuring Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton, among other songs performed by his sister.

In 2021, Dolly openly grieved the loss of her brother Randy, who succumbed to cancer. In a statement shared on her Facebook, she mentioned that the family found solace in their faith, believing that Randy had reunited with those who had passed before him.

Reflecting on Randy’s musical journey, Dolly noted that he had played in her band for numerous years and also had his own show at Dollywood. She reminisced about recording music with him, including what ultimately became his last track on her Christmas album.

Further losses continued in November 2024, marked by the death of another brother, David, at age 82. His obituary, released by Farrar Funeral Home, reveals that he retired as a bridge-building superintendent after contributing to various construction projects across eastern Tennessee.

Another Loss for Dolly Parton

On March 3, 2025, Dolly’s husband of almost 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at the age of 82 in Nashville.

In her heartfelt Instagram post, Dolly reflected on their years together, stating, "Carl and I spent many incredible years together. Words cannot express the love we had for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and condolences."

Carl, who was known for his humble demeanor despite Dolly’s international stardom, was laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by close family. He is survived by Dolly and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.

The family chose not to disclose the cause of Carl’s death and requested privacy during this tough time as they mourned the loss of a man who had been a constant support in Dolly’s life since their marriage in 1966.

The couple’s first meeting occurred two years prior in Nashville. Dolly met Carl on her very first day in the city after arriving to stay with her Uncle Bill, who had relocated there two weeks earlier.

While helping to babysit his son, she went to a local laundromat, the Wishy-Washy, to wash her clothes. As she strolled down the street, soaking in her new environment, a man called out to her.

Coming from a small town, she was accustomed to greeting others, so she waved back. That man turned out to be Carl.

At 18, Dolly was surprised by Carl’s genuine interest in her; he was 21 at the time. "I was shocked and pleased that while he spoke to me, he looked at my face (something rare for me). He seemed truly curious about who I was and what I was about," said Dolly.

Despite their friendly banter, Dolly initially hesitated to go out with him, adhering to the safety lessons she had learned. Instead, she invited him to her uncle’s house while she babysat.

Carl took her up on the invitation and visited her daily that week, spending time with her on the porch while she kept him outside.

Eventually, when her aunt had a day off and could babysit, she agreed to go out with Carl. "He drove me directly to his parents’ house and introduced me to his mom and dad, because he said he knew from the moment he saw me that I was the one he wanted," Dolly recounted.

They tied the knot on Memorial Day 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia, with Dolly aged 20 and Carl 23. The intimate ceremony included Parton’s mother, Avie Lee, the officiant, and his wife.

Over the years, Dolly has shared insights about her long-lasting marriage to Carl, attributing its success to their contrasting personalities, which kept their relationship vibrant.

Dolly described Carl as a loner, a characteristic that allowed their marriage to thrive despite her demanding career. Their household was always lively, with five of her younger siblings living with them, creating an environment she likened to a bustling depot.

Given Carl’s preference for solitude, he was comfortable during her work trips, particularly since she often took the children with her. This arrangement suited both of them; she enjoyed her active lifestyle while he appreciated the peace. Their time apart added to the joy of reunions.

Moreover, Carl’s desire for privacy led some to speculate that he was just a figment of Dolly’s imagination. She addressed this ongoing rumor, attributing it to his intentional avoidance of media attention.

She explained that Carl valued a quiet lifestyle and had little interest in being in the spotlight. He understood that entering the public eye would mean giving up his tranquility, something he never wanted.

Dolly shared, "I have always respected and appreciated that aspect of him. I have tried to keep him out of the public eye as much as possible. He once said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can maintain our lives as separate yet together.’ And we have done just that."

The singer described Carl as a kind and reliable partner who continually surprised her, making their relationship enjoyable and lasting. "He’s a deep person but has a great and quirky sense of humor. He makes me laugh and keeps me entertained. He’s very secure in who he is," Dolly shared.

Dolly revealed the enjoyable activities that brought her and Carl closer. They relished simple moments together, often taking short trips in their RV to unwind and relax. Dolly cherished reading, cooking, and enjoying quiet times with her husband, embracing a tranquil lifestyle.

While Carl preferred to stay close to home and enjoy his independence, Dolly was always eager to explore and remain active. She noted that their differences balanced their relationship and contributed to its enduring strength.

"When we’re together, our shared interests make it work. We cherish the simple life, where we can be relaxed and enjoy ourselves," she expressed.

Dolly distinguished her marriage from her music career, emphasizing that she had not anticipated marrying or meeting someone special, yet love had its own timeline. From the very beginning, Carl acknowledged that music was her passion, a pursuit she had been determined to follow since childhood.

Regardless of the circumstances, she remained dedicated to her music aspirations in Nashville. While she acknowledged that she could step back if Carl ever needed her due to health issues, it was a choice she would make independently, not due to external pressure.

Throughout their marriage, Carl never asked her to abandon her career, allowing her the freedom to pursue her dreams. Dolly remarked, "He’s proud of me, but he’s not necessarily a fan. He doesn’t particularly enjoy hearing me sing."