Bryan Seaver, the nephew who announced Dolly Parton’s death in August, was abruptly fired last week from his longtime post as head of security for the late country legend’s estate.
Seaver, who is the son of Parton’s sister Cassie, received a termination notice informing him that he and his security companies were immediately dismissed from all of Parton’s properties, according to reports. New security teams were swiftly installed at Parton’s main Nashville residence, her museum, her downtown residence and her warehouse.
The dismissal came without explanation, Seaver indicated in a statement shared. He and his team were “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions” taken since Parton’s death at age 80 on Aug. 25.
“We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill [Parton’s] final directive to protect her family, and we refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much,” Seaver added.
The termination letter does not eliminate Seaver’s personal interest in Parton’s trust, which encompasses her business interests and properties.
Seaver had held the head of security role for more than two decades, a position his father Larry held before him. He was the family member selected to break the news of Parton’s passing, announcing it in an Instagram video posted to her official account.
“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, Sis and Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said in the Aug. 25 video.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he continued in the announcement.
“It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
Seaver also revealed in the video that Parton had called him before her death to share her final wishes for her burial, requesting a “bed of plush cotton.”
“After a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest,” he explained.
Parton died following a secret battle with cancer and was laid to rest in a private funeral service in Nashville three days after her death. The “I Will Always Love You” singer was 80 years old.
Seaver’s statement warning of possible “bad faith” actions suggests emerging tension over control of Parton’s extensive estate and business holdings. A representative for Parton did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the dismissal.
The nephew’s removal marks a significant shift in the management of Parton’s properties, which include her main residence, museum, downtown home and warehouse, all now under new security leadership. His continued stake in Parton’s trust indicates ongoing financial involvement despite the termination of his operational role.
“By her example, we believed that anything was possible,” Seaver said in his August announcement. “She never saw a door she couldn’t open and the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you.”
Parton was buried in Nashville following her private funeral.