On the morning of Friday, November 15, the Parton family quietly said goodbye to one of their own. David W. Parton, the brother of country music icon Dolly Parton and younger sibling to Stella Parton, passed away peacefully at his home in White Pine, Tennessee. He was surrounded by love and, as his sister described, was finally granted his angel wings.
The news was first shared by Stella Parton, a singer and songwriter in her own right, who took to social media to announce the heartbreaking loss. “My brother David passed away peacefully this morning,” she wrote in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter). “He received his angel wings and is now at peace, but saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy.”
Later that same day, she expanded on her grief in a post shared to Facebook, reiterating the depth of her sorrow: “It’s never easy to lose a loved one,” she wrote, her words carrying the weight of fresh pain. On Threads, she added a simple but deeply emotional tribute: “My brother David left us this morning. After a while, he was granted angel wings. Rest in peace, amazing soul. I will always love you.”
Though David’s name may not have been as publicly known as some of his siblings, he was an integral part of a family whose influence has spanned generations and touched millions. The Parton family, originally from Sevier County, Tennessee, is deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition, music, and faith. They grew up in modest conditions—twelve children in a small cabin in the Smoky Mountains—but their bonds were strong and enduring.
David W. Parton lived a quieter life than his more famous siblings, choosing to remain largely out of the spotlight. Yet he was a deeply loved brother, a son, and a part of the fabric that helped shape one of America’s most iconic musical families. His death leaves a significant void not only within the Parton family but also for those who knew him in his local community.
An obituary published online confirmed that David passed away peacefully at his home, though no official cause of death has been released. True to the Parton family’s nature, the focus has remained not on the circumstances of his passing, but on the love he gave, the peace he found, and the legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of his family and friends.
In moments like this, words often fall short—but the outpouring of messages from fans and loved ones across social media showed just how many people were moved by his life and his family’s grief. Though the public may not have known him well, his loss is deeply felt by those who did.
The passing of David Parton serves as a quiet reminder that every life, regardless of public recognition, has its own beauty, weight, and meaning. He was a brother, a son, and a beloved part of a legendary family, now remembered not only for the life he lived but for the peace he’s found.
In Stella’s words, “Rest in peace, amazing soul. I will always love you.” That sentiment, so simple and sincere, echoes in the hearts of anyone who’s ever had to say goodbye to someone they loved.