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Suit Over Wynette's Death Resolved

The remaining legal challenge over the death of country music star Tammy Wynette has been resolved in a confidential out-of-court settlement between her daughters and a Pittsburgh doctor. Lawyers for both sides confirmed on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement over claims by the singer's four daughters that Dr. Wallis Marsh contributed to Wynette's death in 1998.

"Both parties are quite happy that it's over and done with," said Wilbur McCoy Otto of Pittsburgh, Marsh's attorney.

Wynette, best known for her hit "Stand by Your Man," died at 55 of heart failure caused by chronic blood clots. She suffered for years with painful stomach ailments and was treated for addiction to painkillers.

Marsh prescribed the painkiller Versed to the singer. The daughters were seeking $50 million, claiming that he mismanaged her case. They also sued the pharmacy Care Solutions of Nashville for delivering the painkiller and Wynette's last husband, George Richey, for helping to administer it.

The daughters -- Tina Jones, Jackie Daly, Georgette Smith, and Gwen Nicholas -- removed Richey from the lawsuit after he asked that Wynette's body be exhumed for an autopsy to help clear up questions about her death In October, a federal judge dismissed Care Solutions from the case. The trial had been set for May 7.


AP LogoCopyright 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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