Dolly Parton's Manager Accused of Maneuvering Family Out of Singer's Affairs
Insiders claim Danny Nozell, embroiled in a lawsuit with Parton's nephew, aims to control the singer's assets.
Dolly Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, is reportedly seeking to sideline the country music icon's family as a legal battle with her nephew intensifies. Sources close to the situation suggest Nozell may have ulterior motives beyond the ongoing lawsuit.
"He wants the family out of the picture, and wants to turn her house into Graceland," an insider told Page Six. This source further alleged that while Nozell and Parton were a strong business pair, she served as the "moral compass," implying Nozell lacks Parton's compassionate approach.
The dispute centers on a lawsuit filed by Nozell against Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as head of security for the singer. Nozell alleges Seaver attempted to extort money and made death threats. The legal action seeks a restraining order against Seaver.
According to court documents, Nozell claims Seaver, prior to Parton's death, invoked his "military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity of violence." The suit includes messages attributed to Seaver, such as "All I do is warfare… everyone needs to be worried 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, who announced Parton's death in August, was recently fired from his security post at Parton's Nashville estate. New security teams were installed at her main home, downtown residence, museum, and warehouse. Seaver and his team expressed dismay, stating they were "dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions" taken by the estate. He asserted their commitment to fulfilling Parton's "final directive to protect her family" and refused to be intimidated by actions they believe are in bad faith and intended for personal profit.
Seaver defended his communications with Nozell, telling TMZ that the messages were not threats and were part of private conversations between friends grieving Parton's loss. He described their exchanges as "rage talk and crying on the phone together."
Dolly Parton's sisters, Freida and Stella Parton, have publicly supported their nephew and dismissed rumors of a family feud over the estate. Freida stated on social media that "No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly’s estate. We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other." Stella added on Facebook that "All families have the same struggles" and emphasized the family's unity in providing strength and guidance to younger generations during their grief.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Neither Nozell nor Seaver commented further on the ongoing legal dispute.