Dolly Parton shares tribute after brother Randy dies aged 67

‘He’s shining in heaven now,' said Parton

Randy and Dolly Parton in 2018

(Rex Features)

Dolly Parton's brother Randy has died from cancer, aged 67.

In a statement, the country music star said: “My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer. 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.”

Parton paid tribute to her sibling, who she called a “great singer, writer, and entertainer”.

Randy sang and played guitar and bass in his sister’s band for many years. He had several chart records of his own, including "Hold Me Like You Never Had Me" and "Shot Full of Love". 

Parton said their duet on “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” will always be “a highlight” in her own career.

“'You Are My Christmas’, our duet on my latest Christmas album, joined with his daughter Heidi, will always be a favourite,” she wrote. "It was his last musical recording and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now.

“He is survived by his wife Deb, his daughter Heidi, son Sabyn, grandsons Huston and Trent.”

The statement concluded: “We will always love him and he will always be in our hearts.”