Dolly Parton's Final Wish: A Dolled-Up Departure, But Only One Witness
The music legend requested no friends or family see her in a fragile state, but made an exception for her longtime makeup artist.
Dolly Parton did not want friends and family to witness her on her deathbed, according to sources cited by TMZ. Her dying wish was to avoid being remembered in a fragile state. However, she made a notable exception for her longtime wig and makeup artist, Cheryl Riddle, whom she wanted to be present to ensure she was "all dolled up" even after her passing.
Insiders told TMZ that Parton reasoned Riddle would inevitably see her after her death to do her hair and makeup, and therefore, she was comfortable with the artist being by her side during her final moments. The only other individual present on the day of her passing was her nephew and recently dismissed security chief, Bryan Seaver.
Security Chief's Departure and Restraining Order
Parton's manager, Danny Nozell, has filed legal documents seeking a temporary restraining order against Seaver, alleging threatening behavior. Nozell, acting on behalf of Parton's company She's Alive, LLC, stated in court documents that Seaver demanded money and invoked his experience as a military contractor, his access to weapons, and his capacity for violence. As a result, Nozell terminated Seaver's employment on September 15.
According to legal filings reviewed by TMZ, Seaver's communications allegedly escalated in the weeks leading up to Parton's death on August 25 at the age of 80. In one alleged message to Nozell, Seaver stated, "Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I'm going to f*** everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family." Another reported communication read, "All I do is warfare... everyone needs to be worried about what I might do." Seaver also allegedly told Nozell he planned to "set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly's brand partnership and telling the violations these people have done on us."
Nozell has requested that the court order Seaver to remain at least 1,000 feet from Parton's office and to refrain from contacting her businesses or affiliates.
Seaver's Defense
Seaver, however, has pushed back against the restraining order request, telling TMZ that he is a "career soldier and military contractor" who conducts arms deals for foreign governments. He described himself as a "security professional and a killer" but asserted that his statements were not threats and that he stands by most of his comments. Seaver claims the texts were taken out of context and were meant as "rage talk" between friends grieving Parton's decline. He explained that one remark about intending to "rat f***" an organization was in reference to "specific, horrible business partners that have done wrong to her."
Security Contract Termination
Separately, Seaver and his security organizations, which had provided protection for Parton's Nashville home, museum, and a warehouse, were notified that their services were being terminated. Sources close to Seaver believe Nozell and Pinnacle Bank were behind this decision, which left Seaver and his associates "dismayed." A new security team has since been deployed to the locations previously managed by Seaver's companies. Seaver's camp stated they remain committed to Parton's final directive to protect her family and refuse to be intimidated by actions they believe are being taken in bad faith, suggesting the intent is to profit from Parton's legacy.
Parton's Final Directive and Public Tributes
Seaver, whose mother is Parton's sister, was appointed by Parton to announce her death. He made a public statement following her passing, describing her as being "in the arms of Jesus" and reunited with loved ones. Seaver, who had served as Parton's head of security for two decades and worked for her for four decades, reflected on how Parton had opened doors for him, his family, and countless artists and dreamers. He noted that his father had held the security position before him.
Since her passing, Parton has been the subject of numerous tributes, including an extensive segment at the Primetime Emmy Awards featuring Reba McEntire and Sally Field. Additionally, Nashville International Airport is slated to be renamed in her memory following a vote by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners.