Dolly Parton’s niece Rebecca Seaver has been fired from her role overseeing the singer’s archive and museum operations, just weeks after the Life of Many Colors Museum opened in Nashville.
People with direct knowledge of the estate’s affairs said Ms Seaver was dismissed on Thursday. Her staff were also let go, although the number of employees affected is unclear.
The museum opened on September 29 inside Parton’s SongTeller Hotel in downtown Nashville. Ms Seaver had served as its executive director and helped develop the project alongside Parton’s sister, Rachel Parton George.
The move follows the dismissal of Ms Seaver’s brother, Bryan Seaver, who had been Parton’s head of security for more than two decades. He was fired by Parton’s manager, Danny Nozell, in September.
Mr Seaver and his security companies were ordered to leave Parton’s properties, including her Nashville home, the museum and a warehouse.
The dispute escalated after Mr Nozell filed a lawsuit accusing Mr Seaver of making threats and attempting to pressure the estate for money. Mr Seaver denied threatening anyone, saying his messages had been taken out of context.
Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80. She had retained a large collection of clothing, jewellery and personal artefacts from her career, with sources saying there were enough items to “fill a Nordstrom”.
