72-3-522. Termination of appointment -- death or disability. (1) The death of a personal representative or the appointment of a conservator for the estate of a personal representative terminates the personal representative's appointment.

(2) Until appointment and qualification of a successor or special representative to replace the deceased or protected representative, the representative of the estate of the deceased or protected personal representative, if any, has the duty to protect the estate possessed and being administered by the representative's decedent or ward at the time the appointment terminates, has the power to perform acts necessary for protection, and shall account for and deliver the estate assets to a successor or special personal representative upon that person's appointment and qualification.