A painful dispute inside Dolly Parton’s circle has landed in court, with her longtime manager seeking protection from the country icon’s nephew just weeks after her death.
Danny Nozell, representing Parton’s She’s Alive, LLC, filed for a restraining order against Bryan Seaver, alleging the former security chief used threats and demands for money to intimidate people connected to Parton’s businesses.
Seaver, whose mother is Parton’s sister Cassie, spent about 20 years overseeing security for his aunt before being fired on September 15. Parton died Aug. 25, and Seaver was the family member who announced her death publicly.
In messages quoted in the filing, Seaver allegedly called himself “a killer” and warned, “Everyone needs to be worried about what I might do.” He is also accused of threatening to damage Parton’s brand partnerships and interfere with businesses connected to Dollywood.
She’s Alive claims the alleged behavior has led to several employee resignations and the hiring of personal security for some staff members at their homes.
Seaver disputes their version of events.
“I am a career soldier and military contractor and do conduct arms deals for foreign governments,” he told TMZ. “However, nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by.”
He said the exchanges happened privately during a period of grief.
“A lot of these messages are two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving,” Seaver added.
A judge has not yet ruled on the restraining-order request.