Dolly Parton hit with heartbreaking family tragedy: Floyd Parton is dead

Dolly Parton’s younger brother, Floyd Parton, has died.

According to People, the country legend lost her brother, Floyd, on Dec 6 following an unknown illness.

“A renaissance man, Floyd was a man of many talents and areas of knowledge,” the obituary, listed on Tennessee’s Atchley Funeral Home website, states.

“He was an avid outdoorsman and had an abundant knowledge of nature as well as being an incredible cook.”

In addition to his love of the outdoors, Floyd was also gifted with musical talents. Much like his 72-year-old sister, he was a songwriter and composer.

It was actually Floyd Parton who wrote “Rockin’ Years,” Dolly’s hit 1991 duet with Ricky Van Shelton. The song was nominated for Best Country Vocal Collaboration at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards. Floyd also wrote “Nickels and Dimes,” sung by Dolly and later George Burns.

Facebook / Jared Price

The official cause of the death has not been revealed yet, but Radar Online reports that Floyd had been suffering from a mystery illness.

Dolly’s sister Rachel, 59, told People magazine: “Singing was like breathing at home.” Floyd’s sister Stella, also a famous singer, tweeted on the very day of his death:

”Have a beautiful day on this bright and brisk Thursday. I am spending the day with my beautiful brother Floyd”.

Stella Parton / Twitter

Floyd was born to Robert and Avie Lee Parto, one of 13 brothers and sisters. He is survived by ten of his siblings, including Dolly.

Dolly has, on several occasions, opened up about how her family shaped her.

”Family is everything to me and not just as a loving memory. My family will always be my greatest love,” she told The Guardian in an interview in 2016.

”Sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle but there’s an element of family in everything I do. My music is shaped by my family.”

We’re thinking of Dolly during this extremely difficult time!

Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family – share this article on Facebook to show your support!