Dolly Parton's older brother, Coy "Denver" Parton, has died at the age of 82, according to his obituary. He passed away on 23 July, though no cause of death has been given, and the country star has not yet publicly commented on his passing. The news follows a difficult period for Parton, coming shortly after the anniversary of her husband Carl Dean's death and amid her own ongoing health struggles.

Denver Parton spent his career as a crane operator and was also a homestead farmer and keen hunter. He is survived by seven sisters, two daughters and a grandson, along with other relatives and friends, with private services to be held at an as-yet undisclosed date. His death comes as Dolly Parton has faced significant hardship of late, having lost her husband of over 60 years, Carl Dean, and having cancelled a planned run of Las Vegas shows in May 2026 while recovering from unspecified medical procedures, though she has said she is responding well to treatment.