Coy 'Denver' Parton, the older brother of music icon Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82. He passed away on Thursday, July 23, just over a year after Dolly lost her husband, Carl Dean.
Private Life Out of the Spotlight
Unlike his famous sister, Denver Parton lived a private life. He worked as a crane operator building bridges and was also a homestead farmer and avid hunter, according to his obituary published by Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Denver and Dolly were two of 12 children born to Avie Lee Owens Parton and Robert Lee Parton. He is the fifth sibling to die, following brothers Larry, David, singer Randy Parton, and Floyd.
No Cause of Death Revealed
The obituary did not disclose a cause of death. It noted that Denver was a widower after the earlier death of his wife, Carolyn Parton. He is survived by his two daughters, Chris Parton and Jennifer Parton; his grandson, Ian Parton; and seven sisters: Willadeene Buzzeo, Dolly, Stella Parton, Cassie Griffith, Freida Parton, Rachel George, and Laura Price.
A 2025 article from Taste of Country described Denver as 'perhaps the most private' of the close-knit family. Metro has contacted Dolly Parton's representative for comment.
