Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, has allegedly resorted to using barbed wire and caution tape to prevent being served with legal documents related to a lawsuit filed by his late aunt’s estate. Seaver, who previously served as Parton's head of security, is accused of installing these measures around his Tennessee home.
A process server stated in court filings, obtained by Page Six, that yellow caution tape was placed around the front steps of Seaver's home, with barbed wire draped across the handrails leading to the front door. "No trespassing" signs were also reportedly present on the lawn and by the entrance. The server noted that these deterrents were not present on previous days when attempts were made to serve Seaver, but appeared by September 26.
This alleged action was highlighted by She’s Alive, LLC, Parton’s management company, in their opposition to Seaver’s request to postpone a court hearing. Seaver had sought to delay an October 9 hearing, claiming he needed more time to secure legal counsel and could not meet with his desired lawyer until October 5. The estate’s filing argued that Seaver waited until the last moment to take action and that the court should not reward such behavior, noting that Seaver already has lawyers who appear prepared to represent him.
Court documents referenced an expletive-filled email Seaver sent on August 21, just days before Parton’s passing on August 25. In the email, Seaver stated he and his attorneys were ready to “play ball” and quipped about his lawyers “f–king you up the ass.” Parton’s estate has alleged that Seaver sent threatening messages that intimidated staffers, causing many to flee their offices and hire private security. Seaver has denied all allegations against him.
Seaver was fired from his position as head of security in September, shortly after the aforementioned email. On September 22, he released a statement asserting that he and his team “refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions [they] believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much.”
Also on September 22, Parton’s longtime manager, Donny Nozell, sought a restraining order against Seaver, alleging that Seaver had attempted to extort him for money and issued threats. She’s Alive, LLC, subsequently filed a lawsuit detailing the alleged threatening messages.
A judge ultimately agreed to postpone Seaver's hearing to October 20, citing his purported difficulties in finding legal representation.
Seaver is the son of Dolly Parton’s sister, Cassie Parton, and took over the security role previously held by his father, Larry Seaver. It was Bryan Seaver who publicly announced his aunt’s death. Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 after a private battle with cancer.