Dolly Parton's Brother Dies At 61 Following Mystery Illness

Dolly Parton's brother Floyd died Thursday, December 6 at the age of 61 — just weeks after he was hospitalized in "critical condition," RadarOnline.com can reveal exclusively.

RadarOnline.com previously reported exclusively Floyd Estel Parton was rushed to a Tennessee hospital three days before Thanksgiving and was said to be battling a mystery illness.

"A renaissance man, Floyd was a man of many talents and areas of knowledge," loved ones, who held a private service for Floyd, wrote about him in an obituary viewed exclusively by RadarOnline.com. "He was an avid outdoorsman and had an abundant knowledge of nature as well as being an incredible cook."

Floyd, who has a twin sister Frieda Parton, wrote the number one hit “Rockin’ Years” for Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton in 1991 and has appeared in many of her movies and TV series, including Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love in 2007.

He also earned an acting credit for Dolly’s 1984 movie, Rhinestone, in which they stared alongside Sylvester Stallone.

Floyd is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Willadeene Parton, David and Kay Parton, Denver and Carolyn Parton, Dolly and Carl Dean, Bobby and Angie Parton, Stella Parton, Cassie and Greg Griffith, Randy and Deb Parton, Freida Parton, Rachel and Eric George; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.