After Dolly Parton died in August 2026, her nephew Bryan Seaver was dismissed as head of security and sued by her estate over alleged threats, which he denies. Six nieces and nephews contributed to her 2024 album, Smoky Mountain DNA.
Tim Rauhoff, Danielle and Jada Star, Sabyn and Heidi Parton, and Rebecca collaborated on songs for Smoky Mountain DNA, which explored the family’s legacy and featured performers from five generations. Parton called her nieces and nephews honorary grandchildren; they called her “Aunt Granny.” Niece Hannah Dennison’s recovery from leukemia inspired Parton’s 2017 song “Chemo Hero.”
Seaver had led Parton’s security for more than 20 years. Her estate alleges he made repeated threats, some reportedly violent, including to “destroy” her legacy, and is seeking a court order barring him from interfering with its business interests. Seaver denies threatening anyone and said Parton’s joking description of him as “her killer” was taken out of context.
