Country songwriter Floyd Estel Parton — younger brother of icon Dolly Parton — has died at age 61.
Parton’s death was confirmed by an obituary posted on the Atchley Funeral Home in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which noted that Parton died on Dec. 6, calling him a “A renaissance man…a man of many talents and areas of knowledge. He was an avid outdoorsman and had an abundant knowledge of nature as well as being an incredible cook. Floyd was a talented songwriter and composer.”
Parton, who was born on June 1, 1957, was one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Jr. and Avie Lee Caroline. He is survived by Willadeene (78), David (76), Coy Denver (75), Dolly (72), Bobby (70), Stella (69), Cassie (67), Randy (64) and Rachel (59), as well as several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. At press time, Dolly Parton had not commented on her brother’s death, and a spokesperson for the singer could not be reached for comment on the cause of death.
Sister Stella posted a tribute to Floyd on Dec. 6, writing, “‘And Jesus said to him, Receive they sight: they faith hath saved thee.’ Have a beautiful day on this bright and brisk Thursday. I am spending the day with my beautiful brother Floyd.”
“And Jesus said to him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”
Have a beautiful day on this bright and brisk Thursday. I am spending the day with my beautiful brother Floyd. pic.twitter.com/TTNlZg54YC— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) December 6, 2018
Floyd Parton was best known for two songs, the 1991 No. 1 Hot Country Singles and Tracks duet “Rockin’ Years,” which Dolly recorded with Ricky Van Shelton for her Eagle When She Flies album, and the 1978 hit “Nickels and Dimes” from his sister’s Heartbreaker album.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to My People Senior Activity Center, 1220 W. Main Street, Sevierville, TN 37862. A private service has already been held by the family; online condolences can be left here.
Listen to “Rockin’ Years” and “Nickels and Dimes” below.