Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 as she faced a “brief cancer battle”. The country star’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, appeared in a solemn video on Dolly’s social media accounts to announce her death.
Her passing, however, triggered a wave of family turmoil. Bryan is now embroiled in an escalating legal battle with the estate, which has resulted in his removal as head of security across all of the country star’s properties. Furthermore, the estate secured a restraining order against him and his private security firm following allegations of threats.
In September, Seaver and his security firms were relieved of their duties across Dolly Parton’s properties, per a termination notice obtained by TMZ. A new security team has since assumed control of her Nashville homes, museum, and warehouse.
The lawsuit filed in a Tennessee court reads: “These were not ordinary workplace disputes or heated words; they were deliberate threats from a self-proclaimed heavily armed, former security operative with a military-contractor background. Many of [Parton’s staff members] are now afraid to come to work or have resigned entirely because they do not feel safe.”
A hearing is scheduled for October 7. Bryan and his team addressed Dolly’s longtime managers Danny Nozell and Pinnacle Bank. They told TMZ that they were “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions” taken following the star’s death. They “remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family.”
© Getty Images“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,” they told TMZ.
HELLO! are taking a closer look at everything we know about Dolly’s relationship with her nephew.
© Getty ImagesWho is Bryan Seaver?
Bryan is the son of Cassie Parton, one of Dolly’s younger sisters, and Larry Seaver. Bryan shared a close relationship with his aunt, and even toured with her as a child. He credited Dolly with creating opportunities for him and other members of their family.
Bryan Seaver’s career
Dolly’s nephew is the CEO of Squadron Augmented Protection Services, a Nashville-based company that organises executive protection, estate security, business intelligence, K-9 services and event security.
© WireImageHead of security
Bryan took over from his father, Larry, as Dolly’s head of security. He served in the role for more than two decades. His responsibilities included helping protect the singer, her residences and her professional properties. He largely remained behind-the-scenes of the singer’s career.
© Getty ImagesHandpicked to announce Dolly’s passing
Bryan announced Dolly’s death to the public via a social media video. He explained that the late star had entrusted him with the duty. “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. “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 continued: “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. 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.”
© Miller Mobley/NBC via Getty ImagDolly Parton’s final wish
Bryan also revealed the hitmaker’s burial requests during the video. 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.”
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