Dolly Parton Mourns Passing of Brother Randy Two Days After Her Birthday

It’s a sad day for Dolly Parton.

The 75-year-old entertainer took to her Facebook account on Thursday (January 21) to announce he death of her younger brother Randy.

“My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer,” Dolly wrote. “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‘s passing comes just two days after Dolly‘s 75th birthday.

“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 highlight in my own career,” Dolly continued. “‘You Are My Christmas,’ 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.”

Dolly concluded, “He is survived by his wife Deb, his daughter Heidi, son Sabyn, grandsons Huston and Trent. We will always love him and he will always be in our hearts, Dolly Parton and Family. Those wishing to honor Randy may donate to the Imagination Library in honor of both Randy and our father, Robert Lee Parton.”

Our thoughts are with Dolly and Randy‘s loved ones during this difficult time.