Dolly Parton's brother David Wilburn dies as their sister says 'he's now at peace'

Dolly Parton's brother David Wilburn Parton has died aged 82.

Their sister Stella shared the sad news in a social media post on Friday morning, in which she said he was "now at peace". He was one of 12 siblings born to their parents Robert and Avie Lee Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee.

She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "My brother David passed away peacefully this morning. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but he got his angel wings and is now at peace."

Heartbroken fans sent their condolences, with one writing: "Holding you and all your family in the light. I recently lost my oldest sister and she too passed peacefully and I was so grateful; she lived long and full life." While another commented: "Stella. I’m so sorry for your loss. Condolences. Sending prayers to you and your family and loved ones!" A third wrote: "So sorry for your loss, and how lucky he was to have two amazing sisters.

David had been the eldest brother, two years younger than their eldest sister Willadeene. Following - in order - are Coy Denver, , Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston 'Randy,' Larry Gerald, twins Estel Floyd and Freida Estelle, and Rachel Ann.

He had led a private life away from the of showbiz and is survived by his wife of 45 years Kay Parton, his nephew/ son Lucas Townsend, daughters, Donna Parton, Dena (Tommy) Lane, grandsons, Jordan Bell, Jared Bell, Brody Lane, Randy Lane, and Taylor Lane, great-grandchildren, Shadow and Shayde Bell and Ellie Lane, as well as his siblings.

According to his obituary, he had retired from Simpson Construction as a bridge builder superintendent and had worked on many of the bridges in the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Knoxville areas. It added: "The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, his Cornerstone caregiver, Aubrie Smith & caregiver, Robin Schmidt."

A funeral will be held for David on Tuesday and the family has asked for memorial donations to be made to the Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

It comes just under four years after at 67 following a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis. Dolly said on behalf of her family: “My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer. The family and I are grieving his loss but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time.

"We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is joined by members of the family that have gone on before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms. Randy was a great singer, writer, and entertainer. He sang, played guitar and bass in my band for many years.

"He headed his own show at Dollywood since it opened in 1986. He’s had several chart records of his own, but his duet with me on “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You” will always be a high light in my own career. You Are My , our duet on my latest Christmas album, joined with his daughter Heidi, will always be a favorite.

"It was his last musical recording and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now."

Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .