Dolly Parton Estate Obtains Restraining Order Against Nephew

Dolly Parton's estate has been granted a temporary restraining order against the music legend's nephew, Bryan Seaver, after he allegedly made threatening overtures towards her manager, Danny Nozell. Nozell, who managed Parton for over two decades, filed the order under Parton's company, She's Alive, LLC.

According to court documents, Seaver allegedly demanded money from Nozell while invoking his "self-proclaimed military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity for violence." Nozell stated in his filing that Seaver's behavior escalated in the weeks leading up to Parton's death on August 25 at the age of 80.

Seaver, who previously served as his aunt's security chief, was reportedly fired by Nozell on September 15 due to the alleged threats. Court filings reviewed by TMZ indicate Seaver sent messages to Nozell stating, "Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I'm going to f*** everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family." Another alleged message read, "All I do is warfare … everyone needs to be worried about what I might do."

Seaver also reportedly told Nozell he planned to create a podcast dedicated to damaging Parton's brand partnerships and detailing alleged business wrongdoings against her. Nozell requested the court order Seaver to remain at least 1,000 feet from Parton's office and to cease contact with her businesses and affiliates.

In response to the restraining order, Seaver told TMZ that he is a "career soldier and military contractor" who conducts arms deals for foreign governments. He described himself as a "security professional and I am a killer," but asserted that his statements were not threats and that most of the comments were taken out of context. Seaver claimed that his remarks were made in private conversations with Nozell, whom he considered a friend, and were part of what he described as "rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving."

Seaver stated that a remark about intending to "rat f***" an organization was directed at "specific, horrible business partners that have done wrong to her and I stand by that." He also mentioned that his father, Larry, had held the security position before him and that he had been Parton's head of security for two decades, working for her for four decades.

Seaver had been entrusted by Parton to announce the news of her passing. In a clip released after her death, Seaver announced, "Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by [late husband] Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens." He also spoke of Parton opening doors for her family and for "generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers."

Following Parton's death, Seaver and his security company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services (SAPS), which provided security for Parton's Nashville home, museum, and a warehouse, were reportedly replaced by another company. Sources close to Seaver expressed dismay at the "unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions" after Parton's passing. Seaver's camp stated they would "refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith."

A Tennessee judge has granted Parton's company legal protection from Seaver and SAPS, requiring them to stay 1,000 feet away from She's Alive employees, lawyers, and business partners, and to refrain from interfering with the company's business relationships. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 7.