DOLLY PARTON'S NEPHEW BRYAN SEAVER FIRED AS SECURITY CHIEF

Bryan Seaver, the nephew of Dolly Parton who announced her death last month, has been dismissed from his long-standing role as head of security for her properties, TMZ has reported. Seaver received a termination notice on 16 September stating that he and his security staff had been let go. Footage showed replacement guards taking over posts at Parton's Nashville home, her museum and a warehouse. Seaver told TMZ he and his team were "dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions" of Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, and Pinnacle Bank, which oversees Parton's trust. Nozell did not respond to a request for comment.

Seaver had served as head of security for more than two decades, taking over from his father, Larry Seaver. The termination letter reportedly states that the DP Dean Trust, which Parton set up as her private estate trust before she died, now controls her properties and business ventures. It reportedly adds that Seaver's personal interest in the trust remains unchanged. Parton died on 25 August following a brief battle with cancer, at a hospital in Nashville where she had been admitted four days earlier.

Seaver and his team said they had been overwhelmed by the support shown to Parton's family and her legacy since her death. They said in a statement that they remained "unshakably resolved to fulfil her final directive to protect her family." The statement added that they would not be intimidated by actions they believe are being taken in bad faith to profit from her legacy. Neither Nozell nor Pinnacle Bank has publicly explained the change in security arrangements. Seaver has been approached for further comment through his company.