Dolly Parton reportedly kept nearly everyone away from her deathbed, allowing only one person to see her in her final days, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to TMZ.com.
The country music legend's dying wish was that no one see her in her fragile, dying state, the sources told TMZ.com, because she did not want to be remembered that way. The single exception was Cheryl Riddle, Parton's longtime wig and makeup artist, since Parton wanted to be fully styled after she passed. According to the sources, Parton reasoned that Riddle would see her eventually anyway to handle the hair and makeup, so she was comfortable having her by her side.
The arrangement appears to have achieved its aim: sources told TMZ.com that Parton's service was open-casket and that she looked fantastic.
One other person did see Parton shortly before her death. Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who was recently removed as head of security, visited her the day before she passed, according to TMZ.com. Other relatives who attempted to gain entry, including her siblings, were turned away.
During that visit, Parton reiterated to Seaver that she wanted him to be the person who announced her passing, sources told TMZ.com. On the final day of her life, Seaver drafted the speech and recorded his announcement at her studio.
Parton died last month, having withdrawn from public view following a series of health issues. TMZ.com has since reported that she traveled to Germany for an experimental cancer treatment program, remaining there for approximately one week before returning to the United States. The nature of the treatment has not been disclosed.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
