Coy “Denver” Parton, the older brother of country music icon Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82, leaving the Parton family and their many supporters mourning another significant loss. Denver passed away on July 23, 2026, in Sevierville, Tennessee, according to his official obituary. His passing comes just over a year after the death of Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, and follows the loss of several other members of the Parton family in recent years. (atchleyfuneralhome.com)
Born on August 16, 1943, Coy “Denver” Parton was one of the twelve children of Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Owens Parton. Unlike his internationally renowned sister, Denver chose a life away from the spotlight, dedicating himself to hard work and family rather than public recognition. (InStyle)
According to his obituary, Denver spent many years working as a crane operator, helping build bridges throughout Tennessee. Beyond his professional career, he was also known as a homestead farmer and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting. Friends and family remember him as a private, hardworking man who valued faith, family, and the simple pleasures of rural life. (atchleyfuneralhome.com)
Denver was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Parton, as well as several siblings, including Larry, David, Randy, and Floyd Parton. He is survived by his daughters, Chris and Jennifer, his grandson Ian Parton, and numerous siblings, including Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, Willadeene Buzzeo, Bobby Parton, Cassie Griffith, Freida Parton, and Rachel George, along with an extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends. (People.com)
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from fans of the Parton family. While Dolly Parton has not yet released a public statement regarding her brother’s passing, her sister Stella Parton expressed appreciation for the many condolences received on behalf of the family and Denver’s daughters. (People.com)
The cause of Coy “Denver” Parton’s death has not been publicly disclosed. The family has chosen to keep those details private, and no additional information regarding the circumstances of his passing has been released. His obituary notes that a private memorial service will be held at a later date. (People.com)
Coy “Denver” Parton will be remembered as a devoted family man whose life reflected humility, perseverance, and quiet strength. Although he lived outside the public eye, his legacy remains an important part of the Parton family’s story. His passing marks another heartfelt chapter for one of America’s most well-known families, and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. (atchleyfuneralhome.com)