Dolly Parton's Manager Seeks Restraining Order Against Nephew Amid Extortion Allegations
Donny Nozell accuses Bryan Seaver of threats and demands for money following his dismissal from head of security post.
Dolly Parton’s manager, Donny Nozell, has filed for a restraining order against the late singer's nephew, Bryan Seaver, alleging that Seaver has been extorting him and making threats. Seaver was recently fired from his position as head of security for Parton's operations.
In legal documents obtained by TMZ, Nozell claims that Seaver, who announced Parton's death in August, has been using his purported military background and access to weapons to demand money from Nozell. The alleged threats began weeks before Parton's passing.
According to the court filings, Seaver is accused of messages such as, "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."
Nozell is seeking a temporary restraining order that would prohibit Seaver from approaching within 1,000 feet of Parton's Nashville offices and from interfering with her business affairs.
Seaver, however, disputes these claims, telling TMZ that the messages were taken out of context and were part of private conversations between friends. "Nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by," Seaver stated. "I was talking frankly in a private way with Danny who I thought was my friend and he fancies himself a gangster. A lot of these messages are two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving."
Seaver’s dismissal, which he called "unexpected" and "unexplained," came on Monday. He and his team issued a statement asserting they "refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much." They also vowed to "protect her family" as per Parton's final wishes.
Parton, who died at age 80 after a private battle with cancer, left behind an estate estimated at $450 million, encompassing Dollywood and her music catalog. The details of how her assets will be distributed and who will manage her business interests are expected to remain private for the time being.