White Pine, Tennessee – November 2024 — David Wilburn Parton, the brother of legendary American singer Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was shared publicly by his sister, Stella Parton, through her verified social media accounts.
According to online obituary listings, including Legacy.com and Tributes.com, as well as social media posts from Stella Parton, David passed away peacefully at his home in White Pine, Tennessee, on November 15, 2024. The family has not disclosed the cause of death.
A Quiet Life Away from the Spotlight
David W. Parton was one of twelve siblings born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton. The family was raised in the Smoky Mountains of Sevier County, Tennessee. While some siblings, including Dolly and Stella, went on to public careers in entertainment, David maintained a more private life.
Public property records and obituary entries confirm that David resided in Jefferson County, specifically in White Pine—a small town noted for its strong community ties. No public career in entertainment or politics is recorded for David, further emphasizing his preference for privacy.
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Family Statements and Public Tributes
Stella Parton shared heartfelt tributes on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Threads, confirming her brother’s passing and reflecting on the emotional toll of losing a loved one. These posts have been verified and are publicly accessible for reference.
Fans of the Parton family and members of the music industry expressed their condolences online, with many praising the family’s enduring unity and respectful treatment of private matters. While the public focus often falls on the more visible Parton siblings, tributes highlighted David’s personal importance within the family.
Dolly Parton’s Family Legacy
Dolly Parton has often credited her upbringing and her siblings for shaping her personal values and artistic outlook. The Parton children were raised in a modest home in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, where music and faith were central to family life. These experiences have been extensively documented in sources such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dolly Parton’s autobiography, and the Tennessee Encyclopedia.
While David Parton did not engage in public performances or media, his quiet presence was still a meaningful part of this closely knit family structure.
Local and Regional Recognition
David’s passing was also noted in local and regional news coverage, including by outlets such as WATE 6 News and Knox News, which frequently cover updates from the Parton family and East Tennessee community figures. These outlets confirmed that David passed away in White Pine and that the family requested privacy during this time.
To date, there has been no official funeral announcement. This approach aligns with how many public families choose to manage grief privately, especially when a family member lived largely out of the public spotlight.
Respecting Privacy and Continuing the Legacy
As of June 2025, Dolly Parton and other family members have not issued additional statements beyond Stella’s verified social media posts. Organizations associated with Dolly Parton, including the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, have not released separate public tributes and remain focused on their educational and charitable missions.
For readers wishing to verify this information or follow updates, the following sources are considered credible:
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Stella Parton’s official X profile and Facebook page
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Obituary listings at Legacy.com and Tributes.com
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Local news reports from WATE.com and KnoxNews.com
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Dolly Parton’s official website and public statements archived by reputable entertainment outlets
Conclusion
The passing of David Parton serves as a reminder of the powerful bonds within families and the importance of honoring those who support from behind the scenes. Though not a public figure, David’s life and memory are celebrated by those who knew him and loved him.
As tributes continue, the Parton family’s strength and values remain a cornerstone of their enduring influence in American culture. In remembrance of David, the family encourages gestures of kindness and community support that reflect his quiet but meaningful presence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or medical advice. All information has been sourced from publicly available records, verified social media statements, and credible obituary databases.
