When the holidays come around, most of us make plans to spend time with our families. This holiday season, however, is going to be tough for country singer Dolly Parton. Parton has been busy promoting the release of her Netflix film “Dumplin”, but amidst all the excitement she and her family got some devastating news. Parton’s brother Floyd Parton has passed away.

The Atchley Funeral Home in Tennessee reports that he passed away at the age of 61 on December 6, but the cause of death has not yet been revealed. His obituary read, “A renaissance man, Floyd was a man of many talents and areas of knowledge. He was an avid outdoorsman and had an abundant knowledge of nature as well as being an incredible cook.”

Floyd shared some of the talents with his sister and was also a gifted musician. He and his siblings wrote several of Dolly’s hit songs including “Nickels and Dimes” from her “Heartbreaker” album. The family showed a talent for music from a young age after being inspired by their mother, Avie Lee who sang and played the piano. The family often sang together at church and home.

Floyd is survived by Dolly, his twin sister Frieda, as well as sisters Willadeene, Stella, and Cassie. He is also survived by brothers David, Coy, Denver, Bobby, and Randy. Their brother Larry died just days after his birth in 1955.

Dolly has been very open about how important family is to her and says that family will always be her first love. Even though she is the most famous of the siblings, she has remained very close to her family. Although it is certain that Floyd’s death has been hard on Dolly, she hasn’t made a public statement about his death yet. The family is asking for donations to be made to the Sevierville My People Senior Activity Center.

Check out the video below of Dolly and be sure to share this heartbreaking story with your family and friends. Don’t forget to keep Dolly and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.