NASHVILLE, United States — Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, has been dismissed as head of security for the late country music star’s properties, weeks after he publicly announced her death.
Seaver and his security companies received a termination notice on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, ordering their immediate removal from all properties associated with Parton, according to TMZ, which obtained a copy of the notice.
The decision has prompted objections from Seaver and his security team, who have questioned the actions of those overseeing Parton’s estate since her death on August 25 at the age of 80.
Security Teams Replaced at Parton’s Properties
The dismissal ended a family arrangement under which Seaver and his father had overseen security for the singer.
Seaver, whose mother is Parton’s sister Cassie Parton, inherited the position from his father, Larry Seaver.
According to TMZ, replacement guards assumed responsibility for security at Parton’s principal Nashville residence, her downtown home, museum, and warehouse shortly after the termination notice was delivered.
The notice identified the DP Dean Trust, established by Parton, as the entity controlling her properties and professional business interests.
Although Seaver has been removed from his security responsibilities, the notice specified that his personal interest in the trust remains unaffected.
Nephew Questions Estate Management
Seaver and his team have challenged the decision, raising concerns about the actions of Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, and Pinnacle Bank, which have been overseeing the administration and operation of her estate.
In a statement to TMZ, they said they were “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions” taken since the singer’s death.
They also alleged that decisions concerning the estate were being made in bad faith and expressed their determination to honour what they described as Parton’s final wishes concerning the protection of her family.
Those allegations have not been independently established.
The reports did not include a response from Nozell or Pinnacle Bank addressing Seaver’s allegations or explaining the reasons for terminating his security services.
Seaver Announced Parton’s Death
Seaver had previously served as the family’s public representative when Parton died in Nashville.
He delivered the announcement in a video message released through the singer’s official channels on August 25.
The official announcement of her death confirmed that the singer, songwriter, and philanthropist had died peacefully at the age of 80.
Seaver’s dismissal comes less than a month after her death, as the trust established during her lifetime assumes responsibility for the management of her properties and business interests.
The termination notice did not indicate that Seaver had been removed as a beneficiary of the trust or that his personal entitlement to any part of the estate had changed.
