Dolly Parton's nephew has been abruptly fired from the security role he held for more than 20 years, just weeks after he was personally chosen to announce the country music icon's death.
Bryan Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security for more than two decades, was sent a termination notice on 16 September informing him that he and his security companies were being removed immediately from all of her properties, according to TMZ.
😳 EXCLUSIVE: Dolly Parton's nephew, who announced her death, fired from security role amid estate war.
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 21, 2026
What we know: https://t.co/WVhk0n0WOC pic.twitter.com/7GoRfo1D5F
The dramatic shake-up comes less than a month after Seaver delivered the heartbreaking news of his aunt's death at the age of 80 on 25 August, as questions continue to emerge over the control of her estate and sprawling business empire.
Parton's Nephew Had Protected Her for More Than 20 Years
Seaver, the son of Parton's sister Cassie, had followed in the footsteps of his father, Larry Seaver, who previously served as the singer's head of security.
Seaver was the family member who delivered the devastating news of Parton's death in a video shared on social media, having apparently been chosen by his aunt years earlier to make the announcement.
In his emotional announcement, Bryan recalled the significance of his longtime role and said he had spent more than two decades protecting his aunt.
'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 said.
He described being chosen to announce her death as an 'honour' mixed with 'absolute pride and great sadness'.
But less than a month later, that professional relationship has apparently come to an end.
According to the termination notice obtained by TMZ, Seaver and his companies were dismissed from all of Parton's properties, including her main Nashville home, downtown residence, museum and warehouse.
A new security team has since taken over at the properties.
Seaver's Team Questions Changes After Parton's Death
The circumstances surrounding the firing have not been publicly explained.
Seaver and his team have, however, expressed concern about the changes taking place following Parton's death and specifically called out her longtime manager, Danny Nozell, and Pinnacle Bank.
In a statement to TMZ, they said they were 'dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions' taken since Parton's death.
Seaver and his team also alleged that they remained committed to carrying out what they described as Parton's final wishes regarding her family.
'We remain unshakably resolved to fulfil her final directive to protect her family,' they said, adding that they would not be 'intimidated' by actions they believe were being taken 'in bad faith' and with the intention of profiting from Parton's life.
Those claims have not been independently established, and neither Nozell nor the estate has publicly explained the circumstances surrounding Seaver's removal.
The termination notice reportedly identifies the DP Dean Trust as the entity holding Parton's properties and professional business interests.
Importantly, the document also states that while Seaver's security responsibilities have been terminated, his personal interest in the trust remains intact. His removal from the security operation does not, based on the reported document, amount to a loss of any personal interest he may have in the family trust.
Questions Surround Parton's $450 Million Fortune
The development adds another layer of uncertainty to Parton's estate following her death.
Parton, who built one of the most successful careers in country music and entertainment, was estimated to have amassed a fortune of around $450 million. With no children of her own, attention has naturally turned to how her assets, properties and business interests will be handled.
Dolly Parton's estate could become one of the most valuable celebrity estates following her death
— Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) August 28, 2026
Country music legend Dolly Parton, who died aged 80, reportedly built a fortune estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars through music publishing, songwriting rights,… pic.twitter.com/oYsPGYKviM
Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 after almost 60 years of marriage. The DP Dean Trust, named for the couple, now features prominently in the arrangements surrounding Parton's properties and business interests.
The precise details of Parton's estate arrangements remain largely private. And as questions continue to emerge over who will control the late singer's sprawling business empire, Seaver's sudden removal has added a new and unexpected chapter to the aftermath of Parton's death.
