Floyd Estel Parton, the brother of country music legend Dolly Parton, died at the age of 61 on Dec. 6, 2018, due to a mystery illness, multiple reports confirmed on Monday. He was a talented songwriter and composer, who wrote several hits for his sister and other artists. He was also an avid outdoorsman and a renaissance man with many talents and areas of knowledge. Here is what we know so far about his life and death.
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Early Life and Family
Floyd Parton was born on June 1, 1957, in Sevierville, Tennessee, USA. He was one of the 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Jr. and Avie Lee Caroline. He grew up in a poor but musical family, where singing was like breathing at home. His sister Dolly Parton became a country music icon and influenced many of her siblings to pursue music careers as well. Floyd was close to Dolly and often collaborated with her on songwriting and composing.
Musical Career and Achievements
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. He also wrote songs for George Burns, Porter Wagoner, and Pam Tillis. He appeared in some of Dolly’s movies and TV series, such as Rhinestone (1984), Video Playback: TNN’s First 15 Years (1998), and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2007). He was also involved in Dolly’s businesses, such as the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
Mystery Illness and Death
Floyd Parton was rushed to the hospital three days before Thanksgiving in 2018 and remained in a “critical condition” until his death. The exact nature of his illness was not revealed, although some reports suggested that it might have been cancer. His sister Stella Parton tweeted a photo with him on the day he died, saying that she was spending the day with her beautiful brother Floyd. His obituary stated that he died on Dec. 6, 2018, in Sevierville, Tennessee, USA. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Tributes and Donations
Dolly Parton did not comment publicly on her brother’s death at the time of writing this article. However, she shared a photo of her siblings on Instagram on April 10, 2017, to celebrate National Siblings Day. In lieu of flowers, the Parton family asked that donations be made to Sevierville’s My People Senior Activity Center. A private service was held by the family.
Floyd Parton was a beloved brother, uncle, friend, and artist who left behind a legacy of music and love. He will be missed by many who knew him and appreciated his work.
