The news comes from Maddie's ex-mother-in-law, Bonnie Townsend ( Judith Ivey ), who contacts Maddie ( Joanna Garcia Swisher) and informs her that Bill has suffered a fatal heart attack. His sudden death (which happens off-screen) devastates his children, ex-wife and friends.

Serenity was left devastated by the sudden death of one of their own. The lives of everyone in town were changed forever. In the second episode of Season 4 of Sweet Magnolias, Maddie ( JoAnna Garcia Swisher) got an unexpected visit that would alter the trajectory of her family’s life.

“Sweet Magnolias” Season 4 will stream on Netflix starting at 3 a.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. In the Season 3 finale, Dana Sue and Ronnie renewed their wedding vows in front of family, friends and members of the Serenity community.