Dolly Parton estate seeks restraining order against nephew over alleged threats

The estate that manages Dolly Parton's business interests has asked a Nashville judge to issue a temporary restraining order against her nephew, Bryan Seaver, accusing him of sending threatening communications that could harm the singer’s brand and operations. The filing, made by the entity She’s Alive that oversees Parton's professional property, alleges that Seaver, who previously provided security for the star, sent a series of texts and emails beginning shortly before her death that threatened to “destroy” her brand and later boasted about creating a podcast to undermine her partnerships.

“I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships and telling the violations these people have done on us. It’s going to be great. Or f——— pay me,” a message dated Sept. 1 was cited in the court documents.

She’s Alive, run by longtime manager Danny Nozell, terminated Seaver and his security firm last week, stating his conduct made continued employment untenable. The complaint also notes that Seaver referenced his past work with private military contractors during the Iraq War as part of his threats. Following the allegations, the estate’s attorney withdrew and several employees resigned, prompting the hiring of additional private security for staff and their homes.

The restraining order seeks to keep Seaver at least 1,000 feet away from She’s Alive employees, attorneys and business partners and to prevent him from interfering with the estate’s business dealings.