Tiffany Goldstein
Country music icon Dolly Parton took to Facebook early Thursday morning, January 21, to deliver devastating news about her younger brother, who lost his fight to cancer.
Randy Parton, 67-years-old was one of Parton’s 11 siblings in which she shared her strong love and passion for country music with.
“My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer,” the singer wrote on Facebook. “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 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.”
The Parton dynamic duo was often seen side-by-side as he played the bass guitar in her band for several years. However, the microphone was no stranger to Randy Parton, as he produced and released his own music. In 1978 the musician launched his “There was a Dream” album, and then in 1991, his outstanding “America, From Where I Stand” record hit the public by storm.
“He was an avid singer-songwriter who charted two singles in country radio’s Top 30 in 1981 and 1982,” Dolly shared with her loyal fans. “He became the first artist to record “Roll on (Eighteen Wheeler), which was subsequently a hit for country and Southern rock band Alabama.”
The country music legend would utilize her brother’s musical talents quite often. In fact, Randy appeared on Dolly’s 2020 Christmas album, “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Together, the siblings sang “You Are My Christmas.”
The lyrics behind Dolly’s beautiful hit was inspired by memories of their childhood together. “You Are My Christmas,” our duet on my latest Christmas album, joined with his daughter Heidi, will always be a favorite,” says Dolly. “It was his last musical recording, and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now.”
To pay respect to Dolly’s dear brother Randy, take a listen to “You Are My Christmas” and let us know what you think about it by leaving a reaction down below or tweet us @CS_Country.
