Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver has been dismissed from his longtime security position, with TMZ reporting that his security companies were immediately removed from their roles.
Seaver is the son of Parton’s sister Cassie and followed his father, Larry, in providing security for the country music star. He had remained responsible for protecting Parton’s properties and business locations for more than 20 years.
According to TMZ, Seaver received a termination notice on Sept. 16 stating that he and his security companies had been removed from their positions.
The notice said Parton’s properties and business affairs are managed through the DP Dean Trust, while also stating that Seaver’s personal interest in the trust would remain unchanged.
A new security team has reportedly assumed duties at Parton’s two Nashville homes, her museum and her warehouse. The change follows Parton’s death on Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Seaver was also the family member who announced Parton’s death through a video posted to her Instagram account. He said Parton had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when she died.
In comments reported by TMZ, Seaver and his team said they were “dismayed” by the unexpected and unexplained termination.
Their statement criticized longtime manager Danny Nozell and Pinnacle Bank, which they said oversee the DP Dean Trust.
The team also said it remained committed to what it described as Parton’s final directive to protect her family.
Plans mentioned in the supplied reports include renaming Nashville International Airport in Parton’s honor and Nashville’s first “Dolly Day” on Sept. 25.
