Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, passed away on 25 August at the age of 80. Renowned for her meticulous appearance and iconic wigs, she withdrew from the public eye several months before her death, strictly limiting visitors to maintain her carefully cultivated image. Her passing prompted worldwide mourning for an artist who had dedicated decades to philanthropy and charitable work, including her Imagination Library initiative.

To preserve her legendary persona, Parton allowed only select individuals to visit during her final days. Her longtime wig and makeup artist Cheryl Riddle, whom she had worked with for four decades, was among those permitted to see her. Her nephew Bran Seaver, the former head of security, also visited and was entrusted with the responsibility of announcing her death to the world, a task he described as an honour despite the profound sadness it carried.