Dolly Parton’s estate has tapped her brother as a brand ambassador as the legal battle continues

Dolly Parton’s property appointed niece, Danielle Partona legal dispute involving another family member as a brand ambassador is ongoing.

Danielle discussed the role in an Instagram video on Oct. 22, explaining that she hopes to share her personal memories of her aunt and support her continued work.

The commercial pilot and military veteran stressed that he would not try to speak on behalf of the singer.

“Yes, Dolly Parton was my aunt, but to me she will always be my aunt,” he said.

“Like many of you, losing him changed something for me. It made me think about the stories, values ​​and lessons he left behind and the responsibility our family has to take care of them,” he added in the video.

Danielle continued, “I’m not crazy enough to try to fill her shoes. God knows I couldn’t walk in them without killing myself. What I can do is share the woman I know. I can tell some of her stories, the stories behind the global icon, and support the people she cared about and continue the work she created to make sure the things she made continue to bring joy to people.”

The announcement follows a contentious split between the organization responsible for protecting Parton’s professional legacy and her nephew. Brian Seaverwho previously controlled security on their estates.

Seaver, who announced the “9 to 5” hitmaker’s death on Aug. 25, was fired from his longtime position as head of security at Parton’s properties on Sept. 16.

After that, the agency tasked with protecting Parton’s brand accused Seaver of making threats of violence and vowed to destroy the singer’s legacy. Seaver has vehemently denied the allegations against him.

He filed a petition on October 2, claiming that he could not provide a lawyer to represent him, and asked the court to postpone the hearing scheduled for October 9.

Seaver is facing a lawsuit from She’s Alive, LLC (SAL), a company hired by Parton to protect and promote her brand after her death.

The judge ultimately granted Seaver’s request and adjourned the hearing to October 20, but not without objections from SAL.

In court filings, She’s Alive objected to the delay, accusing Seaver of “attempting to avoid the process,” adding that the court “should not reward this behavior.”

According to the complaint, attempts were made to serve Seaver with subpoenas on three separate occasions.

During the second attempt, the process server allegedly saw four cars parked in the driveway, but no one answered the door.

“Finally, there was a trespassing sign in the front yard of Mr. Seaver’s residence and barbed wire was strung between the handles leading to the front door,” the filing alleged.

SAL also urged the court to view with “considerable skepticism” Seaver’s claim that he was unable to find legal representation.

“He waited until the last minute to take any action, and the court should not reward that behavior,” he said, adding that Seaver “already has attorneys who are anxious to represent him.”

The latest courtroom clash comes after a temporary restraining order was filed against Seaver on September 22.

In one of the lawsuits, SAL alleged that Seaver began making threats weeks before Parton’s death.

“Mr. Seaver began a campaign of threats, intimidation and coercion in the weeks prior to Ms. Parton’s death,” the filing, obtained by People, alleges.

The lawsuit further alleged that Seaver promised in writing to “destroy the entire brand” and allegedly told Parton’s entertainment attorney, “I’m not an entertainer. I’m a mule.”

The document states that Parton “loved and cared for her family very much,” while also accusing her nephew of threatening to damage her legacy and causing “reputational and economic harm.”

Seaver was also accused of making “real-world threats of violence” against members of Parton’s crew.

SAL said it has a duty to protect both the singer’s legacy and the people involved in its preservation.

“As the institution entrusted by Ms. Parton to protect and promote livelihoods for future generations, SAL must create a safe work environment for employees, consultants and partners, free from intimidation or hostility, particularly by an armed former security contractor,” a filing said.

“Without assistance, the Defendants’ calculated campaign will continue to create fear, destabilize SAL’s operations and cause further irreparable harm.”

Seaver and his security company were then issued a termination notice directing them to immediately vacate the Parton properties they were assigned to protect.

Those properties reportedly include Parton’s Nashville home, museum, warehouse and downtown residence.

According to information, replacement security officers were sent to the areas. Seaver and his team later talked about their exit, targeting Parton’s longtime manager. Danny Noselland said they were “confused by the unexpected and hitherto unexplained actions” that followed the singer’s death.

Beyond the legal dispute, Parton’s legacy includes significant support for people struggling to find or keep housing.

The entertainer, who grew up with 11 siblings in a one-room Smoky Mountains cabin, has focused resources on disaster survivors, homeless youth and families facing medical crises.

Following the 2016 wildfires in Sevier County, Tennessee, the Dollywood Foundation established the My People Foundation.

The initiative provided eligible households who lost their primary home with $1,000 per month for six months, then an additional $5,000 to help them move forward.

His property also became part of the charity. In 2023, Parton donated her Idyllwild, CA cabin to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. The organization sold it the following year for $585,000.

Housing support extended to his business operations.

In 2021, Dollywood announced a partnership with Holtz Builders to develop a $20 million residence hall for seasonal workers and interns.

These efforts form another part of Parton’s legacy that continues alongside her music and entertainment ventures.