Dolly Parton's Nephew Seeks Delay in Restraining Order Hearing

Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, has requested a judge postpone a court hearing scheduled for October 9, concerning a restraining order filed against him. Seaver, who was Parton's longtime head of security before being dismissed in September following the singer's death on August 25, is seeking more time to secure legal representation.

In documents filed on Friday and obtained by the Associated Press, Seaver stated his need for counsel, noting his "lack of legal knowledge or skills to proceed in this matter without retained counsel." He indicated that a lawyer he wishes to hire cannot meet with him until October 5. Seaver also stated he would not object to the restraining order being extended until a new hearing date could be set.

The restraining order was filed last month by Danny Nozell, Parton's longtime manager. Nozell alleged that Seaver had made threats and attempted to extort him for money. Court documents obtained by Page Six state that Nozell claimed Seaver invoked his "self-proclaimed military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity for violence" in his alleged attempts at extortion.

She's Alive, LLC, Parton's management company, also filed a lawsuit alleging Seaver sent threatening texts to employees. The company claims Seaver identified himself as an "international arms dealer and mercenary" and a "killer," threatening to "destroy the entire brand" and "ratf–k every entity."

Seaver has denied the allegations. In comments to TMZ, he described the actions taken since Parton's death as "unexpected and, so far, unexplained." He maintained that his statements to Nozell were made in private and that "nothing" in the lawsuit qualified as threats, adding, "Most of the comments I stand by."

A resurfaced police report from 2000 indicates Seaver was arrested for assault following an incident at a Nashville bar. The alleged victim reported that Seaver attempted to strike him after being informed he might be ejected from the establishment. The case was reportedly dismissed, and a representative for Seaver had not responded to requests for comment on Friday.

Seaver had publicly announced Parton's death in an August 25 Instagram video, reflecting on his role as her head of security for over two decades, a position previously held by his father. He described it as an "honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness."