Dolly Parton’s Nephew Says He and His Team ‘Refuse to Be Intimidated’ After Being Fired from Security Role

The fallout from Dolly Parton's passing has taken a dramatic turn, with a member of her own family now at the center of a heated legal fight.

Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, has been fired from his decades-long role as the late country icon's head of security. He was responsible not only for ensuring Parton's safety but also for securing her properties.

Dolly Parton attends the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

TMZ broke the news, alleging that Seaver's termination is fueling an already escalating battle over the "9 to 5" singer's estate. The outlet obtained a termination notice informing Seaver that he and his security companies were being dismissed, effective immediately, from every property Parton owned.

Sources told the publication that the notice was issued on Wednesday, September 16, just as replacement guards descended on Parton's main home in Nashville. The new security team also took over her museum, downtown residence and warehouse.

Dolly Parton attends "Dolly: An Original Musical" fireside chat and press conference at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on January 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

In response, Seaver and his team called out Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, and Pinnacle Bank, telling TMZ they are "dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions" taken since Parton's death.

They noted that they have been comforted by the worldwide outpouring of love for Dolly — not only for her music, but also for the life she led and the message of love she embodied. Still, they added:

Dolly Parton poses for a photo for "Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas" in 2022. | Source: Getty Images

According to TMZ, the termination letter states that the properties and Parton's professional business interests are held by the DP Dean Trust. Although Bryan has been stripped of his security duties, the document makes a point of noting that his personal interest in the trust remains intact.

On Tuesday, September 22, news emerged that Parton's estate had been granted a restraining order against Seaver. Court documents obtained by People following news of his termination allege that Seaver spoke openly about violence and weaponry in the weeks leading up to his dismissal.

A memorandum filed in support of the restraining order petition claims Seaver launched a "campaign of threats, intimidation and coercion" that began in the weeks before Parton's death, when he allegedly became aware that her passing "could be [imminent]."

"Mr. Seaver began invoking his self-proclaimed military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity for violence to extort [Parton's estate] into giving into his demands for money," the filing reads.

Seaver allegedly "boast[ed]" about arms dealing and warfare, calling himself "literally an international arms dealer and mercenary." He also reportedly announced plans to exact "long-term vengeance."

Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Shortly afterward, Seaver confirmed the heartbreaking news in a video. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he said at the time.

He went on, "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. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness."

"But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly," he continued. "Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens."