'He's shining in heaven' Dolly Parton's brother Randy dies after battle with cancer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Dolly Parton and her family are grieving the loss of her brother, Randy Parton, who passed away after a 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."

Dolly says her brother was a "great singer, writer, and entertainer" who sang and played guitar and bass in her band for years.

"He’s had several chart records of his own, but his duet with me on “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You” will always be a highlight in my own career."

Dolly says Randy's daughter Heidi sang with her for the duet "You Are My Christmas" on her latest Christmas album.

"It was his last musical recording and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now."

Randy leaves behind his wife Deb, daughter Heidi,son Sabyn and grandsons Huston and Trent.

"We will always love him and he will always be in our hearts," Dolly wrote.

In her latest book, Dolly says Randy is one of her favorite Christmas memories.

"Oh, I have so many childhood memories of Christmas. Just Christmas in the Smokies is absolutely beautiful, but I remember all of the things we used to do back when," Dolly said. "My brother Randy was born around Christmas, so we always called him our Christmas gift."