Dolly Parton's younger brother, Floyd Parton, has died. The 61-year-old songwriter and composer died on Dec. 6 after an unknown illness.

Floyd Parton wrote "Rockin' Years," Dolly's hit 1991 duet with Ricky Van Shelton. The song is the Hall of Famer's most recent No. 1 hit — she's charted several songs in the nearly three decades since, but none have reached the top of the Country Airplay charts.

An obituary remarks that the younger Parton was an accomplished songwriter who also wrote "Nickels and Dimes," a song recorded by Dolly and later George Burns. He's remembered as a renaissance man who loved the outdoors and was an incredible cook.

The cause of Floyd Parton's death has not been revealed, but Radar Online reported on Nov. 21 that the Sevierville, Tenn., resident had been suffering from a mystery illness. The website quotes a close friend of the songwriter who said Parton was in critical condition.

Dolly hasn't shared any details of this illness, nor has she commented on her brother's death. It's generally believed that all 11 of her siblings are involved in her business.

On Dec. 6, Dolly Parton's sister Stella did tweet a picture with Floyd, writing: "And Jesus said to him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Have a beautiful day on this bright and brisk Thursday. I am spending the day with my beautiful brother Floyd."

The obituary notes that the family held a private funeral for Floyd Parton. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the My People Senior Activity Center at 1220 W. Main Street, Sevierville, Tenn., 37862.

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