Country music legend Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her younger brother and longtime songwriting partner Floyd Estel Parton.
The musician, whose cause of death remains unknown, passed away on December 6 at at the age of 61, according to his obituary on the Atchley Funeral Home website.
Floyd, who penned hits like "Nickels and Dimes" and "Rockin' Years" with his sister, was as "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."
He was also a man who loved his family, including Dolly as well as his twin Freida, 61, sisters Willadeene, 78, Stella, 69, and Cassie, 67, brothers David, 76, Coy Denver, 75, Bobby, 70, and Randy, 64, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews.
His death has taken quite the toll on the close-knit family, so it took a while before some of them were ready to publicly address the tragedy.
After a week of grieving in private, Dolly has released a statement on behalf of the Partons. She opened the emotional message by thanking "everyone for their kindness."
She confirmed that their "sweet baby brother" was laid to rest on December 10, and revealed that they all sang "his lovely song 'Rockin' Years,' together as a family at the service to say goodbye to him."
"He lived a short life of love and beautiful songs," she added.
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 11, 2018
The "Jolene" singer then asked that in lieu of flowers, friends, family, and fans may make a donation to the My People Senior Activity Center in Sevierville, TN in Floyd's honor.
The Partons have always shared a very close bond, so we can't imagine what they are going through at the moment. Our hearts hurt for Dolly and her family as they mourn Floyd.
