Celebrities
Dolly Parton’s estate has appointed her niece, Danielle Parton, as its official brand ambassador. The announcement comes weeks after her nephew, Bryan Seaver, was dismissed from his role as head of security amid allegations of threats. Meanwhile, a legal dispute involving Seaver continues. Danielle will now help preserve and promote her aunt’s legacy.
Danielle Parton named brand ambassador weeks after Bryan Seaver’s termination
In announcing the appointment, the estate highlighted Danielle’s varied professional background. She is a commercial airline pilot, military veteran and entrepreneur who shares Dolly’s “quick wit, strong work ethic and independent spirit.” Additionally, an Instagram Reel accompanied the announcement. It featured Dolly introducing her niece to the public. (via Entertainment Weekly)
Danielle recalled how her aunt, whom the family calls “Aunt Granny,” encouraged her to pursue her ambitions. Following that encouragement, she became a pilot and served 20 years in the National Guard. She also founded Shine Girl, a moonshine distillery near Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The business celebrates the Parton family’s “history of moonshining” with a modern approach.
Reflecting on her aunt’s legacy, Danielle said, “Like so many of you, losing her has changed something for me.” She added that she wants to preserve Dolly’s values and share memories of the woman she knew.
“I would never try to speak for Dolly, and I’m not crazy enough to try fill her shoes,” Danielle said. She also expressed pride in continuing the family tradition, writing on Instagram, “Being a Parton means hard work, big dreams and never forgetting where you came from. I’m proud to be part of that legacy and to carry it on in my own way.”
Meanwhile, Seaver, the son of Dolly’s sister Cassie Parton, was dismissed in September. A lawsuit filed by Dolly’s manager, Danny Nozell, accused him of threatening the estate and people associated with the singer’s legacy.
She’s Alive, LLC, the company managing Dolly’s business interests, also obtained a temporary restraining order against Seaver. A court memorandum alleged that he had launched a “campaign of threats, intimidation and coercion” in the weeks before Parton’s death.
However, Seaver has disputed the allegations. In a statement to ABC News, he described the restraining order as “spurious and simply a publicity stunt.” He also claimed that his statements had been taken out of context.