Bryan Seaver, the nephew of Dolly Parton who broke the news of her death last month, has reportedly been fired from his longtime post as the head of the late singer’s security.
According to TMZ, Seaver received a notice last week informing him that he and his security companies had been immediately dismissed from all of Parton’s properties, with new teams established at her main residence in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as her museum, downtown residence and warehouse.
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Responding to the news, Seaver told TMZ he was “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions,” and warned of “bad faith” manoeuvres around Parton’s estate.
“We remain unshakeably resolved to fulfil [Parton’s] 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,” the statement read.
TMZ reports that although the termination letter removes Seaver’s security duties, it does not eradicate his personal interest in Parton’s trust, which covers her properties and business interests.
It comes after Seaver – the son of Parton’s sister, Cassie – announced the icon’s shock passing to the world in a social media video message. Seaver mentioned being her head of security for two decades after inheriting the role from his father.
“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,” Seaver said.
“It is an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he added.
Parton died in late August after a brief battle with cancer at Tennessee’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
She was said to be surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing, with countless tributes flowing for the music legend including from Jane Fonda, Taylor Swift and Eminem.