The Unsung Parton: 5 Fascinating Facts About David Wilburn Parton, Dolly’s Late Brother
The world of country music recently mourned the loss of a key, though often private, member of the legendary Parton family. David Wilburn Parton, the older brother of music icon Dolly Parton, passed away at the age of 82 on November 15, 2024, leaving behind a legacy not of chart-topping hits, but of hard work, family devotion, and a quiet life well-lived in the Tennessee mountains.
This article, updated for December 23, 2025, serves as a deep dive into the life of the second-born Parton sibling, revealing details about his decades-long career as a bridge builder, his enduring marriage, and his vital role as one of the 12 children of Robert and Avie Lee Parton. For those curious about the man who helped build the infrastructure of East Tennessee while his sister built a global entertainment empire, here is the comprehensive biography of David Wilburn Parton.
David Wilburn Parton: A Complete Biography and Profile
- Full Name: David Wilburn Parton
- Date of Birth: March 30, 1942
- Place of Birth: Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee, USA
- Parents: Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000) and Avie Lee Owens Parton (1923–2003)
- Position in Family: Second-born of 12 children, and the oldest surviving brother until his death.
- Spouse: Kay Parton (married for 45 years)
- Children: Two daughters, Donna and Dena, and a nephew/son, Lucas
- Career: Retired Bridge Builder Superintendent
- Employer: Simpson Construction (for the majority of his professional life)
- Date of Death: November 15, 2024
- Age at Death: 82
- Place of Death: White Pine, Jefferson County, Tennessee
- Siblings: Willadeene Parton (Writer), Coy Denver Parton, Dolly Parton (Country Music Icon), Bobby Lee Parton (Musician), Stella Parton (Singer/Actress), Cassie Parton (Singer), Randy Parton (Deceased Singer/Songwriter), Larry Parton (Deceased Infant), Floyd Parton (Deceased Songwriter), Freida Estelle Parton (Singer), and Rachel Parton Dennison (Actress)
The Bridge Builder: David Parton’s Career Outside the Spotlight
Unlike many of his siblings who chose to follow Dolly Parton into the entertainment industry, David Wilburn Parton carved out a successful and respected career in a completely different field: construction and engineering. He was a man of the mountains who chose to build the foundations that connected his beloved East Tennessee.
David spent the vast majority of his professional life working for Simpson Construction, rising through the ranks to become a respected Bridge Builder Superintendent. His work was fundamental, involving the construction of vital infrastructure across the region. His obituary specifically noted that he worked on many of the bridges in the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Tri-Cities areas of Tennessee.
This career path speaks volumes about his character. While his sister Dolly Parton was becoming an international superstar, David remained a grounded, hands-on professional. He was part of the generation of Partons who remained committed to the Appalachian region, contributing to its physical development rather than its musical legacy. He was known for his humility and for being a true working-class man, a testament to the values instilled by his parents, Robert and Avie Lee Parton, who raised their 12 children in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Sevier County.
A Pillar of the Parton Family: Devotion and Legacy
David Wilburn Parton was the second child born to the Parton family, making him the oldest son and a key figure in the large family structure. He was a pillar of support for his younger siblings, including Dolly, who often speaks of the close-knit bond she shares with her family. His passing marks the fourth brother Dolly has lost, following the tragic death of Larry Parton as an infant in 1955, and the later deaths of Randy Parton (a singer/songwriter) and Floyd Parton (a talented songwriter who wrote "Shadows in the Night" and "Rockin' Years").
The news of his death was shared by his sister, singer and actress Stella Parton, who posted a heartfelt tribute on social media on November 15, 2024. Stella's announcement underscored the family’s grief, calling David a beloved brother and confirming his peaceful passing at age 82.
His immediate family life was as stable and enduring as the bridges he built. David was married to his wife, Kay Parton, for a remarkable 45 years. This long-lasting relationship produced two daughters, Donna and Dena, and he also raised his nephew/son Lucas. His legacy is carried on not just through his famous sister, but through his children and grandchildren, who remember him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
The Parton Siblings: A Network of Talent and Support
To understand David Wilburn Parton is to understand the incredible family he came from. The 12 Parton children, six boys and six girls, have a collective story that is as rich and complex as any country song. While David chose a life away from the stage, his siblings have contributed significantly to the arts and music, creating a powerful family network rooted in Sevierville, Tennessee.
The eldest, Willadeene Parton, is an author and poet, providing a literary voice to the family's history. Coy Denver Parton and Bobby Lee Parton also maintained lower profiles, much like David. On the other hand, the sisters, including Stella Parton, Cassie Parton, Freida Estelle Parton, and Rachel Parton Dennison (known for her role on the sitcom *9 to 5*), have all had careers in singing, acting, or songwriting.
David's role was unique: he was the anchor. He was the one who worked the traditional, demanding job, providing a sense of normalcy and stability that allowed the others to pursue their often-turbulent artistic dreams. His life is a powerful reminder that the foundation of the Parton dynasty is not just musical genius, but the strong, unshakeable bond of a large, supportive Appalachian family.
The Quiet Dignity of a Private Life
In a world obsessed with celebrity and public life, David Wilburn Parton's story is a refreshing counter-narrative. He was a man who worked hard, loved his family deeply, and contributed to his community without seeking fame. His life demonstrates the quiet dignity of a person who found fulfillment in his trade and in his home, rather than on the global stage.
His passing in late 2024 brought his name briefly into the headlines, but the details of his life—his 45 years with Kay Parton, his daughters Donna and Dena, his work with Simpson Construction, and his dedication to building bridges both literally and figuratively—are what truly define his legacy. He remains a cherished member of the Parton family, a symbol of the working-class roots that Dolly Parton so famously celebrates in her music.
The family has requested privacy during this time of mourning, confirming that David Wilburn Parton died peacefully at age 82. He is remembered as a humble, kind, and devoted man who will be deeply missed by his wife, children, and all of his surviving siblings.
Detail Author:
- Name : Marilie Medhurst
- Username : lexus81
- Email : lenny.kling@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1991-08-14
- Address : 55864 Lindsey Land Adamsport, LA 91250-0112
- Phone : (364) 654-2596
- Company : Lynch Inc
- Job : Stone Cutter
- Bio : Ea qui omnis repudiandae molestiae. Eius quibusdam non omnis sunt qui.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/kundea
- username : kundea
- bio : Ullam delectus aut doloribus nesciunt.
- followers : 1045
- following : 2100
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/kunde2011
- username : kunde2011
- bio : Ut aut excepturi officiis maxime quis temporibus id. Rerum recusandae minus nam dolor mollitia.
- followers : 6671
- following : 455
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@ambrose6468
- username : ambrose6468
- bio : Rerum sunt ea qui. Id velit qui assumenda exercitationem.
- followers : 2154
- following : 324
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/ambrosekunde
- username : ambrosekunde
- bio : Dicta aliquid rerum autem enim optio esse. Blanditiis molestiae ipsum sed. Nulla aut ducimus aspernatur corporis exercitationem.
- followers : 1419
- following : 513
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/ambrosekunde
- username : ambrosekunde
- bio : Voluptatum eos et saepe exercitationem.
- followers : 2324
- following : 2247
