Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver spent more than two decades protecting the country music icon.
But weeks after he delivered the heartbraking news of her death to the world, he was fired from his longtime position.
Seaver and his security companies were dismissed from overseeing Parton's properties in September, according to a termination notice obtained by TMZ. New security personnel reportedly took over at locations including Parton's Nashville residences, museum and warehouse.
The reported firing is a surprising development given Seaver's long connection to his aunt and her career, and suggests a developing dispute involving Parton's estate, with at least one party suggesting "bad faith" tactics may be at play.
Here's what to know about Bryan
Seaver, his relationship with Parton and the role he played in her life.
Who is Bryan Seaver?
Seaver is the son of Cassie Parton, one of Dolly Parton's younger sisters, and Larry Seaver. His sister, Rebecca Seaver, has also worked within the Parton family's business operations, serving as executive director of the singer's Nashville museum.Bryan Seaver's involvement in his aunt's career began long before he became responsible for her security. In the video announcing Parton's death, he recalled traveling with her as a child. "I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste of the road life in the early 1980's," Seaver said.He credited Parton with creating opportunities for him and other members of their family, saying she helped them recognize possibilities they had not previously imagined.
How did Bryan Seaver become Dolly Parton's head of security?
Seaver followed his father, Larry, into the position as head of Parton's security, according to the statement Bryan made while announcing Parton's death.
Bryan remained in the role for more than two decades. The position placed him behind the scenes during a significant portion of Parton's later career and his responsibilities included helping protect the singer, her residences and her professional properties.
Why did Dolly Parton choose Bryan Seaver to announce her death?
Parton personally asked Seaver to announce her death when the time came, he said in the video shared on her social media accounts Aug. 25.
"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," Seaver said.
Parton’s precise reason for selecting him has not been publicly explained. His position as both a close relative and her longtime head of security, however, made him a trusted figure within her family and professional circle.
Why was Bryan Seaver fired?
A specific reason for Seaver's dismissal has not been publicly disclosed.
Seaver received a termination notice on Sept. 16 stating he and his security companies were immediately dismissed. The termination letter reportedly identified the DP Dean Trust as the entity controlling Parton's properties and professional interests.
Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell and Pinnacle Bank have been overseeing the trust's administration and operations.
Seaver suggested foul-play. "We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family, 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," he said in a statement to TMZ.
USA TODAY reached out to Danny Nozell and Pinnacle Bank for a comment.
What does Bryan Seaver do outside of working for Dolly Parton?
Seaver is the CEO of Squadron Augmented Protection Services, a Nashville-based company offering executive protection, estate security, business intelligence, K-9 services and event security, according to his LinkedIn. The company’s website says it is licensed to provide security services in Tennessee, Alabama and Florida.
What did Dolly Parton tell Bryan Seaver about her final wishes?
Seaver also disclosed one of Parton’s final burial requests while announcing her death. He said his aunt called him and told him “she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
The request, which Seaver shared in the family’s full death announcement, offered a characteristically humorous final image from Parton and further illustrated the trust between the singer and her nephew.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: As Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver is fired, questions emerge over estate
