Dolly Parton's Nephew Denies Threatening Her Estate and Business Empire

Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver has filed a court response to a restraining order taken out by Parton's longtime manager Danny Nozell, denying allegations that he threatened to harm Parton's estate and business empire.

According to a Tennessee court filing, Seaver claims to have been close friends with Nozell before the alleged incident, describing their relationship as one of mutual respect and trust. However, things took a turn when Nozell obtained a restraining order against Seaver, citing text messages that allegedly showed Seaver's violent intentions towards Parton's legacy.

Seaver disputes these claims in an affidavit opposing the temporary order becoming permanent, stating that the text messages were part of a private conversation between friends who were both grieving and discussing strategy. He insists that he never sent threatening messages to any of Parton's businesses or business partners, nor their employees.

The controversy surrounding Seaver's actions has shed light on a serious rift in Parton's circle, with Nozell and Seaver now on opposing sides. Court filings reveal that Seaver had been working as head of security for Parton, providing protection services through his company Squadron Augmented Protection Services.

Seaver claims that Nozell was aware of the text messages at the time they were sent, shortly before Parton's passing on August 25. He also alleges that Nozell encouraged him to promote the military and arms aspect of his security company as a business strategy, only to later use those same text messages against him in court.

A temporary restraining order has been granted against Seaver, citing his "claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate" as reasons for the protection.

The order was issued by Chancellor I'Ashea L. Myles, who noted that She's Alive had petitioned for the restraining order after terminating Seaver and SAPS in early September due to their "terrorizing conduct".

Seaver claims he was unaware of the order when it was granted, as he was working on a contract security job in Haiti at the time.

As part of the order, Seaver is prohibited from entering any property owned by She's Alive or communicating with its employees and business partners within 1,000 feet.

Seaver's company was owed over $250,000 for completed work by Herschend Family Entertainment, which operates Dollywood and the Songteller Hotel. He claims his anger was solely due to this financial dispute, not any personal vendetta against his aunt or her estate.

Seaver has acknowledged using profane language in messages to Nozell, but denies allegations of menacing or intimidating HFE employees. To support his claim, he included a 2024 letter from Dolly Parton praising him and his company.

The letter highlights the significant role Seaver played in announcing Parton's passing after her cancer diagnosis, as she had personally chosen him for this task.