Dolly Parton's nephew reacts to removal as longtime Security Chief

Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, is speaking out after being removed from his longtime role overseeing security for the country icon's properties. 

Seaver and his team has told TMZ in a latest exchange that they were caught off guard by the sudden decision, which came without clear explanation after Parton's death on August 25.

In a statement, Seaver and his team said they refuse to be intimidated by what they believe are actions taken in bad faith, alleging an intent to profit off Parton's legacy. 

“We refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much,” they said.

Seaver, who was the one to publicly announce Parton's passing, and his security firm were dismissed from all of her properties last week via formal notice. New security teams have since been installed at her Nashville home, museum, downtown residence, and warehouse.

Despite the termination, Seaver's personal stake in Parton's trust, which oversees her business holdings and properties, reportedly remains unaffected.

Parton, who had privately been battling cancer, was laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean Thomas, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum just three days after her death. 

Seaver was among about a dozen close family members who attended her memorial service.