Wynette's daughters file $50 million lawsuit

The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Three of Tammy Wynette's daughters Monday filed a $50 million lawsuit blaming the country star's death on negligence by her husband and her doctor.

Daughters Tina Jones, Jackie Daly and Georgette Smith said Wynette died because Dr. Wallis Marsh of Pittsburgh didn't monitor her condition closely and overprescribed medication. They also said Wynette's fifth husband, George Richey, didn't seek medical care for her after being urged to do so by Marsh on the day of her death. Marsh "inappropriately treated her in a number of different ways," said Ed Yarbrough, an attorney for the daughters. "It became clear that her husband was very much a party to that." On Monday, Nashville's medical examiner said he would reconsider the daughters' request to have Wynette's body exhumed and an autopsy performed. Bruce Levy, who in February denied their request and said he was satisfied with Marsh's finding, said he was reviewing new information provided by the daughters. The "Stand by Your Man" singer died on April 6, 1998, at her Nashville home at age 55. Her body was found by Richey, and Marsh flew from Pittsburgh to sign the death certificate. He listed the cause of death as a blood clot in the lungs. Richey isn't the father of any of the daughters. Wynette's fourth daughter, Gwen Nicholas, is not a party to the lawsuit. Wynette had 20 No. 1 hits, including "Stand by Your Man" and "D-I- V-O-R-C-E."

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