Dolly Parton’s estate names niece Danielle as brand ambassador
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton’s niece, Danielle Parton, has been named brand ambassador for the late singer’s estate, a role dedicated to preserving her aunt’s legacy.
The announcement came on Wednesday, October 21, with Dolly participating through a video filmed before her death on August 25 at 80. Meanwhile, a legal dispute between the singer’s estate and her nephew Bryan Seaver, her former head of security, continues in court.
Danielle Parton takes on role as ambassador for Dolly Parton’s estate
Danielle, 50, is the daughter of Dolly’s brother Bobby Lee Parton and Doris Noland. A military veteran who served for 20 years in the National Guard, Danielle was introduced by her aunt in an Instagram video recorded before the singer’s death.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Danielle said, “I'm so grateful to help care for a legacy that means so much not only to my family but to all of you.”
“Like so many of you, losing her has changed something for me. It made me think of the stories, values, and lessons that she left behind, and the responsibility that our family has to care for them,” she added.
Danielle also acknowledged that she would not attempt to replace her aunt or speak on her behalf, using Dolly’s signature sense of humor to describe her approach to the role.
“I would never try to speak for Dolly, and I'm not crazy enough to try to fill her shoes. God knows I couldn't walk on them without killing myself,” she joked. Instead, Danielle said she would share her personal experiences with the singer and offer fans a glimpse into the person behind the global icon.
“What I can do is share the woman that I knew. I can tell some of the stories of her, the stories behind the global icon,” she added. Danielle, who is a cousin of Bryan Seaver, Dolly’s former head of security, also outlined her responsibilities as ambassador.
She emphasized supporting “the people carrying forward the work that she cared for and created to make sure what she built continues to bring people joy.” A press release described Danielle as a suitable choice for the position, stating, “Danielle is a fitting ambassador to help celebrate Dolly’s legacy and connect with fans around the world.”
“Danielle embodies the quick wit, strong work ethic and independent spirit that have made her aunt, Dolly Parton, an enduring cultural icon,” the statement added.
Bryan Seaver’s legal dispute with Dolly Parton’s estate continues
The appointment comes as Dolly’s estate remains involved in a legal dispute with Bryan, 49, who was fired from his longtime position as the singer’s head of security last month. The allegations against him include threats of violence toward Dolly’s manager, Danny Nozell, which Bryan has denied.
Seaver is facing She’s Alive, the company Dolly established before her death to protect her professional property and business interests after her death.
According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, Seaver filed a motion in Nashville on October 2 seeking to delay a hearing scheduled for October 9. He said he had been unable to find a lawyer to represent him.
In his filing, Seaver stated that after being served with a restraining order and lawsuit by She’s Alive on September 23, he “immediately” began looking for legal representation. However, he said he could not meet with his preferred choice until October 5.
She’s Alive opposed the request. In documents filed on October 5, the company asked the court to deny Seaver’s motion, arguing that he “attempted to evade service of process, and this court should not reward that behavior.”
A judge granted Seaver’s request on October 6, moving the hearing to October 20. The legal proceedings continue as the estate prepares to preserve Dolly’s professional legacy through its newly appointed ambassador.
