Hit Songwriter Floyd Parton Passes

Stella Parton and Floyd Parton. Photo: Stella Parton/Twitter

On Monday (Dec. 10), his family held a private memorial service in East Tennessee for singer-songwriter Floyd Parton.

He died on Thursday, Dec. 6, of an undisclosed illness at age 61. Floyd Parton is best known as the writer of “Rockin’ Years,” recorded by his sister, Dolly Parton, as a chart-topping duet with Ricky Van Shelton in 1991. The song was also recorded by George Jones.

His other notable compositions include “Waltz Me to Heaven,” which was included on Dolly’s Rhinestone movie soundtrack in 1984.

The two co-wrote “Nickels and Dimes.” It was recorded by show business legend George Burns in 1980 and also included on Dolly’s No. 1 album Heartbreaker in 1978.

He also co-wrote songs with his sister Stella Parton, including “Smooth Talker.” Stella was with him when he passed away.

Floyd Parton’s death was announced by the Atchley Funeral Home of Pigeon Forge, TN on Monday, the date of his family’s private memorial service.

“We laid our sweet baby brother to rest,” said Dolly in a statement issued yesterday. “We 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.”

Floyd Parton is survived by 10 of his 12 siblings. They are Willadeene, 78; David, 76; Denver, 75; Dolly, 72; Bobby, 70; Stella, 69; Cassie, 67; Randy, 64; his twin Freida, 61; and Rachel, 59. Dolly, Stella, Randy, Freida and Rachel have all had recording careers. Willadeene is an author and poet. Cassie is an actor.

The family has requested that donations in his name can be sent to My People Senior Activity Center, 1220 Main Street, Sevierville, TN.