Dolly Parton estate alleges nephew blocked lawsuit service with barricade
The estate of the late singer claims her nephew Bryan Seaver used barbed wire and caution tape to avoid being served with a lawsuit, and a judge is set to rule on his request for more time to retain counsel.
The legal team for Dolly Parton’s estate says nephew Bryan Seaver attempted to prevent service of a lawsuit by surrounding his front steps with yellow caution tape and barbed wire. The filing, submitted Monday, includes a photo of the alleged barricade and asks a Nashville judge to deny Seaver’s request for an extension to hire an attorney.
According to the estate’s lawyers, She’s Alive LLC – the company that manages Parton’s affairs – made three attempts to serve Seaver, each unsuccessful. On one occasion, a process server reported four cars in the driveway but no response at the door, and later observed a "no-trespassing" sign and barbed wire across the porch railings.
The lawsuit, filed by Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell, accuses Seaver of a "campaign of threats" aimed at extracting money from the late singer’s business interests. A temporary restraining order was previously granted, prohibiting Seaver from approaching estate employees, business partners, or private property linked to the estate.
Seaver, who announced Parton’s death on Instagram, previously provided security services for her through his firm, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, which is also named in the case. Court documents cite messages in which Seaver allegedly threatened to damage the Parton brand and referenced arms dealing.
A hearing on converting the emergency restraining order into a permanent injunction is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, unless the court grants Seaver additional time to secure legal representation. Seaver has asked for a delay, stating his preferred attorney is unavailable until early October.