David Wilburn Parton, the elder brother of Dolly and Stella Parton, passed away at the age of 82 on Friday, November 15, 2024, at his home in White Pine, Tennessee, as noted in his obituary.
Stella Parton, 75, shared the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter), writing that her “brother David passed away peacefully this morning,” and although “it’s never easy to say goodbye,” he “got his angel wings and is now at peace”.
She echoed this message in a post on Facebook and later on Threads, expressing her enduring love: “RIP dear soul. Love you forever”.
David, known professionally as David W. Parton, spent his career as a bridge-building superintendent at Simpson Construction, working across Knoxville, Johnson City, and Kingsport before retiring.
He preferred a quiet life away from the spotlight.
He was the second-oldest of eleven Parton siblings, born on March 30, 1942. He was preceded in death by siblings Randy, Larry, and Floyd.
David is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay, daughters Donna and Dena, his “nephew/son” Lucas, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his surviving sisters and brothers, including Dolly and Stella.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, caregiver Aubrie Smith, and Robin Schmidt for their care.
A funeral service will be held at Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine on Tuesday, November 19, followed by a graveside service at Dandridge Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, November 20.
David’s passing comes nearly four years after his brother Randy died of cancer in 2021 at age 67 and six years after Floyd’s passing in December 2018 at age 61. Dolly has not yet released a public statement regarding his death.
