By Page Six | Created at 2026-09-23 12:25:11 | Updated at 2026-09-23 15:08:06
2 hours ago
Dolly Parton allowed only one person to see her when she was on her deathbed — her longtime wig and makeup artist, Cheryl Riddle.
The “9 to 5” singer’s dying wish was that no one could see her on her deathbed because she didn’t want anyone to remember her in that state, sources told TMZ.
However, Parton allowed Riddle to be present so the singer could be dolled up after she died.
The outlet reported that the 10-time Grammy winner had an open casket — so Riddle’s services must have been perfect.
One other person who saw Parton before she passed was Bryan Seaver, the singer’s nephew and recently fired security head. Seaver reportedly saw his aunt the day before she passed.
During Seaver’s visit, Parton told him that she wanted him to be the one to announce her passing,d which prompted the former security head to write the speech and record it at her studio.
It was later shared on Parton’s social media page on Aug. 25, the day she died.
Parton’s siblings were reportedly denied entry.
The “Jolene” songstress passed away after a secret battle with cancer. She was 80.
Parton was hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with “kidney and autoimmune issues” five days before she died.
The “I Will Always Love You” singer was laid to rest in a private funeral service in Nashville, Tennessee, three days later.
Parton was entombed at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee, beside her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82.
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