NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — New developments have emerged in a growing legal and family dispute involving the estate of country music legend Dolly Parton.
According to reports from TMZ cited by WSMV, Rebecca Seaver, Parton’s niece, was fired Thursday from her position overseeing archive and museum operations connected to Parton’s legacy.
TMZ reported that individuals overseeing Parton’s estate terminated Seaver’s employment and also dismissed the staff working under her supervision. The number of employees affected has not been publicly disclosed.
WSMV reported it has not independently confirmed the TMZ report.
Museum Leadership Role
According to TMZ, Rebecca Seaver served as executive director of the Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, which opened Sept. 29 inside the SongTeller Hotel in downtown Nashville.
The reported termination comes amid an increasingly public dispute between the estate and members of the Seaver family.
Brother Previously Removed
TMZ previously reported that Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager, dismissed Bryan Seaver from his position as head of security in September after more than two decades in the role.
Reports indicate that Bryan Seaver and his security companies were ordered to leave multiple properties connected to Parton, including her Nashville residence, museum facilities and storage locations.
The estate has accused Bryan Seaver of making threats and attempting to pressure estate management for money. Seaver has denied the allegations and has maintained that messages cited by the estate were taken out of context.
Legal Battle Continues
The dispute remains active in Tennessee courts.
Earlier this fall, Parton’s estate obtained a temporary restraining order against Bryan Seaver and his private security company. A judge later extended that order.
Court filings have also shown estate representatives are seeking police body camera footage related to an alleged incident involving Bryan Seaver and law enforcement officers on the day Parton died. Sources close to Seaver have disputed reports that any altercation occurred.
Bryan Seaver has denied allegations that he threatened members of the estate or sought to damage Parton’s legacy. He also requested additional time to obtain legal representation before further court proceedings.
As of Monday, neither the estate nor the Seaver family had publicly commented on the reported termination of Rebecca Seaver.
The legal dispute remains ongoing.
