Dolly Parton Only Wanted Longtime Wig and Makeup Artist at Her Side When She Died

Dolly Parton wasn't keeping 9-to-5 hours on her deathbed ... instead, she was closing up and refusing to allow most friends and family to see her -- except for one essential worker.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Dolly's dying wish was that no one could see her on her deathbed because she didn't want anyone to remember her in her fragile, dying state.

However ... we're told there was one exception to the rule -- her longtime wig and makeup artist, Cheryl Riddle -- because Dolly wanted to be all dolled up after she passed.

Our sources say Dolly figured Cheryl would see her anyway when she passed because she'd eventually have to do the hair and makeup regardless -- so she was fine with her being by her side.