Dolly Parton's Nephew Barred from Tribute Amid Legal Dispute

Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, alleges he was intentionally excluded from a recent CMA tribute event honoring the late country music star. Seaver stated on social media that he and his children were told not to attend the event, while other family members were invited.

"The rest of my entire family was invited. A few attended. My kids and I were told not to attend. Such is life…" Seaver wrote in a Facebook post. The tribute, titled "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," was broadcast live from The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee.

This alleged exclusion follows a legal dispute between Seaver and Parton's estate. Last month, Parton's manager, Donny Nozell, filed a restraining order against Seaver and removed him from his longtime security role at Parton's estate. Nozell's lawsuit claims Seaver has been attempting to extort him for money and sent threatening messages. Court documents include messages attributed to Seaver that reportedly state, "All I do is warfare… everyone needs to be worried what I might do."

Seaver has contested these claims, telling TMZ that the messages were taken out of context and were part of private conversations with Nozell, whom he considered a friend. Seaver's attorneys have also stated that the messages were misleading and that the legal action has been hurtful to his family.

Page Six previously reported that Nozell's lawsuit also alleged Seaver intimidated staff members at Parton's Nashville hotel and museum. However, an insider suggested to Page Six that Nozell might have ulterior motives, aiming to transform Parton's home into a tourist attraction similar to Graceland.

Seaver was the individual who publicly announced Parton's death on August 25. Parton, who was 80, had been battling cancer prior to her passing.