Dolly Parton’s brother David Wilburn dies as sister pays emotional tribute

DOLLY Parton’s brother David Wilburn Parton has died.

The sad news was announced by Dolly’s sister Stella, as she posted a statement to say he was “now at peace.”

She wrote on X: “My brother David passed away peacefully this morning. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but he got his angel wings and is now at peace."

Born in Sevier County, Tennessee, David was one of 12 children born to Robert and Avie Lee Parton.

Fans were left heartbroken by the news, as one person penned: “Stella. I’m so sorry for your loss. Condolences. Sending prayers to you and your family and loved ones!" 

Someone else wrote: “Holding you and all your family in the light. I recently lost my oldest sister and she too passed peacefully and I was so grateful; she lived long and full life."

Dolly and her family grew up near the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee's Sevier County, and had next to nothing back then.

In order of birth, the six boys and six girls were named Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Dolly Rebecca, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston “Randy”, Larry Gerald, twins Floyd Estel and Freida Estelle, and youngest Rachel Ann.

Oldest brother David was born on March 30, 1942, while Coy was born a year later on August 16, 1943.

None of them pursued a career in showbiz, so very little is known about them, but Dolly once referred to one of her brothers as a carpenter.

Stella, who announced the news of David’s death, is a singer who was born on May 4, 1949.

She is younger than her sister Dolly by three years and sixth-born in the family.

Her biggest hit is I Want To Hold You In My Dreams, which was released in 1975.

Other top 20 country music hits include The Danger of a Stranger, Standard Lie Number One, and Four Little Letters.