Dolly Parton's Deathbed Wish: Only Makeup Artist Allowed, Nephew Delivered Announcement
The iconic singer, who died after a secret battle with cancer, had specific final requests for visitors and announcements.
Country music legend Dolly Parton allowed only one person into her presence on her deathbed: her longtime wig and makeup artist, Cheryl Riddle. Sources told TMZ that Parton's dying wish was to not be seen in her final moments, wanting to be remembered vibrantly. Riddle's presence was permitted so that Parton could be prepared after her passing.
Parton, who died on August 25 at age 80 following a secret battle with cancer, also designated her nephew, Bryan Seaver, to announce her death. Seaver, who had been her security head until recently, reportedly saw his aunt the day before she passed. During this visit, Parton instructed him to prepare and record the announcement speech at her studio. This message was subsequently shared on Parton's social media on the day of her death.
Reports indicate that Parton's siblings were not permitted to see her before her death. She had been hospitalized five days prior to her passing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville due to kidney and autoimmune issues.
Parton was laid to rest in a private funeral service in Nashville, Tennessee, three days after her death. She was entombed at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, beside her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025.