Dolly Parton’s Estate Gets Restraining Order Against Nephew Following Alleged Threats
By Alexus Mosley
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dolly Parton’s estate is in the middle of a family legal battle.
The late country icon’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, sought a temporary restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver after Seaver was removed from his longtime role overseeing security for Parton’s properties. According to court filings, the court granted the order on Sept. 22.
The filing was made through She’s Alive, LLC, the company Parton established before her death, and alleges that Seaver threatened staff and business partners while demanding money from the estate. Court documents claim Seaver invoked his military-contractor background, access to weapons, and capacity for violence while communicating with members of Parton’s team.
The lawsuit also alleges that Seaver threatened to damage Parton’s business interests and legacy. According to People, the estate claims he vowed to “destroy the entire brand” following his dismissal.
Seaver, who had worked in security for Parton’s properties for more than two decades, was terminated earlier this month. TMZ reported that his termination letter instructed him and his companies to immediately leave Parton’s properties and stay away from them.
Seaver has denied that his messages amounted to threats. He told TMZ that the comments were taken out of context and described some of the exchanges as private conversations made while grieving. He also called the restraining order a publicity stunt.
The estate, meanwhile, says the legal action is necessary to protect employees, advisers, business partners and Parton’s legacy from further intimidation or disruption.