Dolly Parton's manager, Danny Nozell, has dismissed his lawsuit against the singer's nephew, Bryan Seaver. The voluntary dismissal was filed without prejudice, meaning the claims could potentially be refiled in the future. It remains unclear if the two parties reached a settlement.
The legal showdown was set to take place at a hearing on Tuesday. Nozell had accused Seaver of attempting to extort him for money and making threats, including invoking his military background and capacity for violence. According to the lawsuit filed in September, Seaver allegedly sent messages stating, "All I do is warfare … everyone needs to be worried about what I might do," and "Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I’m going to f–k everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family."
Seaver denied the allegations, telling TMZ that the messages were taken out of context and that most of the comments were statements he stood by. "Nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by," he said.
Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. Less than a month later, Seaver was reportedly fired from his position as head of security for Parton's estate. Subsequently, a temporary restraining order was granted against Seaver and his security company, requiring them to stay 1,000 feet away from Parton's Nashville offices and cease interfering with her business.