Watch: Dolly Parton’s Estate Fires Nephew Bryan Seaver From Security Role
Dolly Parton‘s estate is cutting business ties with her nephew.
Bryan Seaver—who spoke for the family as they shared the music icon’s Aug. 25 death—said that his longtime position running security for his aunt’s properties was unexpectedly eliminated after TMZ obtained his company’s termination notice Sept. 21.
Seaver, son of the late 80-year-old’s younger sister Cassie, told the outlet he was “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions,” which he said were issued through Parton’s former manager Danny Nozell and Pinnacle Bank.
But the head of security has expressed that regardless of the firing, his job taking care of the “9 to 5” artist is not done.
“We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family,” Seaver continued, “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.”
The notice, according to the outlet, immediately removed Seaver’s security access to Parton’s properties, though it also stated his personal interest in the family trust was not impacted.
E! News has reached out to Seaver, Nozell, and reps for Parton and Pinnacle Bank for comment but has not yet heard back.
Amid the employment shift, Seaver told TMZ he remained touched by the public’s outpouring of love in response to the announcement of Parton’s death, which came days after her hospitalization due to complications from a brief battle with cancer. In the heartbreaking update, he referenced how much he treasured their professional relationship, which started with his dad Larry Seaver.
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“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 explained in the Instagram video at the time. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”
“Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” Seaver added. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
Indeed, the 11-time Grammy winner was beloved by countless relatives, peers and fans whose lives she touched over the years. Keep reading to see more stars’ tributes to the late country legend.
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“Later she shot a promo for her NBC Christmas special,” he continued, “and when she got on a stool wearing her short skirt she said to the audience, ‘I gotta be careful or else I’m gonna show y’all my box office!'”The former Saturday Night Live member praised Parton’s joke.”Too dirty for church, too clean for the bar,” he added. “Just like her, it was just right. What a light.”
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“If there’s someone you wanna look up to and model your life after, it’s Dolly,” Perry concluded. “Dolly was glam, funny, and kind as fuck. Her star will forever shine bright and I bet you she’s already remodeling them pearly gates with rhinestones.”
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