N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-10-8: When appointment of successor to personal representative who has resigned is not required.

When two or more personal representatives have qualified, and one or more personal representatives resign pursuant to this Article, leaving in office one or more personal representatives, the appointment of successors shall not be required unless:

(1) The clerk of superior court determines, in the clerk's discretion, that it is in the best interest of the estate to appoint a successor or successors to the personal representative or representatives who have resigned, or

(2) In the case of executors, the will so provides. (1973, c. 1329, s. 3; 2011-344, s. 4.)