Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver has been removed from his long-time security position at the singer’s properties, just weeks after Parton died at age 80. The change was detailed in a termination notice obtained by TMZ and reported on September 21, 2026.
Seaver had worked as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades. His father, Larry Seaver, previously held the role, making the position a long-running family connection to the country music icon.
The move comes shortly after Seaver publicly announced Parton’s death on August 25. The official announcement from Parton’s website confirmed that the singer died peacefully in Nashville at 80.
Bryan Seaver’s Security Role Has Been Terminated
According to the termination notice reported by TMZ, Seaver and his security companies were dismissed from Parton’s properties.
The change reportedly affected several locations connected to Parton, including her main Nashville residence, museum, downtown property and warehouse. A replacement security team subsequently took over those responsibilities.
The notice was dated September 16, while reports about the change emerged on September 21.
For Seaver, the decision ended a professional relationship that had lasted for more than 20 years.
Seaver Says the Decision Was Unexpected
Seaver has publicly expressed concern about the decision and said he had not received an explanation for the change.
His team pointed to Dolly Parton’s long-time manager Danny Nozell and Pinnacle Bank in connection with the actions described in the termination notice. However, the reasons behind the decision have not been publicly established.
Seaver also said that he and his team remained committed to protecting Parton’s family and honouring what they understood to be her wishes.
Those statements represent Seaver’s position. There has been no public confirmation establishing that the termination was connected to any improper conduct or financial motive.
Bryan Seaver’s Interest in the Trust Remains Unaffected
One important detail in the termination notice concerns Seaver’s connection to Parton’s estate.
Although his security responsibilities were ended, the notice reportedly stated that his personal interest in the family trust was not affected.
Parton’s properties and professional business interests are held through the DP Dean Trust, according to the reported termination documents. The trust is named after Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean.
That means Seaver’s removal from his security position should not automatically be interpreted as the loss of his reported personal interest in the trust.
Seaver Previously Announced Dolly Parton’s Death
Seaver had a particularly visible role in the days surrounding Parton’s death.
Parton’s official website identified him as the family member who delivered the announcement on August 25. The message confirmed that the singer had died peacefully in Nashville at age 80.
ABC News also reported that Seaver announced Parton’s death through a video shared on her social media accounts.
The announcement carried added significance because Seaver had worked closely with Parton for years as part of her security team.
Dolly Parton’s Death Came in August
Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, according to her official website. She was 80.
Her family said she had requested a small, private service for immediate family. The official statement also highlighted her decades-long career as a singer, songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist.
Parton’s death prompted tributes from artists, actors and other public figures around the world. Her career included major country hits such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”, alongside extensive philanthropic work.
What Happens Next for Dolly Parton’s Estate?
The reported change in security is one of the first publicly documented changes involving personnel connected to Parton’s properties following her death.
However, the available reports do not establish the full reason for Seaver’s removal. E! News reported that it had contacted Seaver, Nozell, and representatives for Parton and Pinnacle Bank for comment but had not received responses at the time of publication.
For now, the confirmed development is that Seaver and his security companies are no longer responsible for protecting Parton’s properties, while his reported personal interest in the trust remains intact.
Further information could clarify how the estate will be managed and whether additional changes will follow.