Singer-Songwriter Randy Parton, Brother of Dolly, Passes

Randy Parton (far left) with family. Photo: Courtesy dollyparton.com

Singer-songwriter, actor and businessman Randy Parton passed away today (Jan. 21) after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

Randy’s sister, country music icon Dolly Parton, announced her brother’s death via social media. “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,” Parton said.

According to Dolly’s post, Randy sang and played guitar and bass in her band for many years. He served as Dolly’s duet partner on “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You,” and on “You Are My Christmas,” a duet with her, and Randy’s daughter Heidi, on Dolly’s latest Christmas album.

Born Randel Huston Parton on Dec. 15, 1953, Randy was one of twelve children born to Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Randy’s first singles came in 1981 with “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me,” “Shot Full of Love,” and “Don’t Cry Baby.” He also released the singles “Oh, No” and “A Stranger in Her Bed” in the early ’80s.

In 1982 he was the first artist to record the song “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler),” Alabama made it a hit in 1984. Also in 1984, he sang a song for the Rhinestone soundtrack; a movie that Dolly starred in. Randy has hosted a show at Dolly’s Dollywood theme park in East Tennessee since 1986.

Dolly, Randy Parton

Randy is survived by his wife Deb, his daughter Heidi, son Sabyn, and grandsons Huston and Trent.

Dolly’s publicist tells MusicRow, those wishing to honor Randy may donate to the Imagination Library in honor of both Randy and his Father Lee Parton.

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LB Cantrell

LB Cantrell is Director of Content at MusicRow magazine. She oversees all MusicRow-related content, including managing the editorial team. Cantrell manages the MusicRow social media accounts, head up specific, large-scale projects for the company, and assist in day-to-day operations. She also manages all MusicRow memberships, and facilitates the company’s annual events, including the MusicRow Awards, CountryBreakout Awards and Rising Women on the Row. Cantrell graduated from the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.

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