Country music legend Dolly Parton reportedly made a final request that reflected the glamorous image she maintained for nearly six decades: She wanted to look unmistakably like Dolly, even after death.
Parton, who died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer, allowed longtime wig and makeup artist Cheryl Riddle to remain near her during her final days, TMZ reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the private arrangements.
According to the outlet, Parton restricted visits from most friends and relatives because she did not want loved ones remembering her in a fragile condition. Riddle was an exception because the stylist was expected to prepare Parton’s signature hair and makeup after her death.
Parton wanted to be “all dolled up after she passed,” the outlet reported.
TMZ also reported that Parton had an open-casket service and that Riddle completed the singer’s final look. Parton’s family and representatives have not publicly confirmed those details, which the outlet attributed to unnamed sources.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, reportedly visited her the day before she died. During that meeting, Parton allegedly reiterated that she wanted Seaver to announce her death. He then prepared and recorded an announcement at her studio on the final day of her life, according to TMZ.
Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville surrounded by loved ones, publicist Marcel Pariseau announced at the time. Pariseau said the entertainer had “bravely” faced a brief cancer battle before her death.
The singer had stepped away from some public commitments as concerns about her health grew. Parton nevertheless continued discussing her work and assured supporters that she remained active while recovering from earlier medical problems.
Parton had previously said she neglected some of her own medical needs while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025 at age 82. The couple had been married for nearly 59 years and largely kept their relationship outside the public spotlight.
Her death ended one of the most celebrated careers in American entertainment. Parton wrote hundreds of songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” while selling more than 100 million records worldwide. She also found success in film, business and television.
Her songwriting earned her 10 Grammy Awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, while her music crossed country and pop boundaries.
Her ventures included Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that became a major economic force in the region. Through her Imagination Library, Parton distributed free books to children while promoting literacy in the US and internationally, per Trending Politics.
Parton’s towering blond wigs, rhinestone outfits and carefully constructed stage appearance were inseparable from her public identity. She regularly joked about her appearance but also made clear that the glamorous look reflected her personal taste and business instincts.
The reported final request was consistent with the image Parton controlled throughout her career. Even in her final days, she apparently wanted friends, relatives and fans to remember the energetic, polished performer they had known for generations.
