Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver is challenging a restraining order that he says could interfere with his relationships with relatives who work for her businesses.
The 49-year-old spent roughly two decades as the late singer’s head of security before being fired in September.
She’s Alive, LLC, the company managing Parton’s business interests, accuses Seaver of threatening employees and partners and trying to disrupt its operations.
In court papers filed October 13, Seaver denied threatening physical harm and argued that private exchanges with Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, had been misrepresented.
Seaver Says Nozell Encouraged Him to Promote His Military Background
Seaver described the messages as a “private conversation between two friends who were both frustrated, grieving and discussing strategy,” according to The Associated Press. The exchanges took place shortly before and after Parton’s death.
He acknowledged using crude language but said Nozell, who runs She’s Alive, did not react with alarm when the messages arrived. In some instances, he said, Nozell agreed with him or responded positively.
Seaver also alleges that Nozell encouraged him to promote the military and weapons background of his company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services. He argues that the same professional history was subsequently presented to the court as evidence that he posed a danger.
He Says the Disputed Security Bills Have Since Been Paid
One September 1 message cited by She’s Alive proposed a podcast aimed at damaging Parton’s brand partnerships unless Seaver received payment.
Seaver says his demand concerned approximately $251,000 owed to his security company for completed work connected to Parton’s Nashville hotel and museum. He identified Herschend Family Entertainment as the business involved in the payment dispute.
According to NBC News, Seaver’s affidavit says his company has since received the money. He also described the podcast discussion as part of a broader conversation about media requests that Nozell was helping him navigate.
The Company Alleges Employees Feared for Their Safety
She’s Alive alleges that Seaver invoked his access to weapons and experience with violence while demanding money and threatening retaliation. The company says his conduct frightened employees and prompted some to resign.
Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles granted the temporary restraining order in September, citing the alleged combination of weapons access, experience with violence and an intention to retaliate.
The restrictions apply to Seaver and his security company. They prohibit entry onto She’s Alive properties and contact with, or approaching within 1,000 feet of, covered employees and business partners. They also restrict interference with the company’s business relationships.
His Mother and Sister Work With Parton’s Businesses
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Seaver’s mother, Cassie, manages Parton’s East Tennessee properties. His sister Rebecca directs the Dolly Parton Archive and Life of Many Colors Museum, according to PEOPLE.
His attorneys object to restrictions extending to anyone who “has or may have” a relationship with She’s Alive. They argue that this could prevent him from contacting trustees and their lawyers while Parton’s estate is being administered.
Seaver also says he cannot identify every person covered by the restrictions and fears inadvertently violating them while conducting business in Nashville. His lawyers want any injunction to preserve family contact, lawful speech and his rights as a trust beneficiary.
According to TMZ, his termination notice preserved his personal interest in Parton’s trust. Parton’s sister Freida supported Seaver on Instagram in September, writing: “We all love Bryan, just as we love each other.”
Seaver Submitted a Letter From Parton Supporting His Security Work
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Among the exhibits accompanying his response was a 2024 letter in which Parton praised Seaver and his company. He also pointed to her decision to entrust him with announcing her death publicly.
Seaver delivered that announcement in a video posted to Parton’s official account on August 25. He said his aunt had asked him years earlier to take on the responsibility.
Seaver said he continues to care about Parton’s music and family, writing in his affidavit: “I do not want this dispute to harm her legacy.”
The temporary restraining order remains in effect ahead of the October 20 hearing, when the court will consider whether to continue the restrictions.