Dolly Parton’s estate has accused the country music legend’s nephew of making violent threats and vowing to damage her legacy and business empire. In court filings submitted Tuesday, the estate asked a judge to bar him from contacting its employees or becoming involved in its business affairs.
The filings in Nashville mark the first public indication of a dispute within the closely managed estate of Parton, one of the most cherished figures in country music and popular culture.
Bryan Seaver owns the company that supplied Parton’s security team and was personally selected by the singer to announce her death from cancer last month. He did not immediately reply to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.
According to a request for a temporary restraining order filed by She’s Alive, the organization responsible for managing and safeguarding Parton’s professional assets and business interests, Seaver’s communications became increasingly threatening over several weeks. She’s Alive is overseen by Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager.
Court records say She’s Alive ended its relationship with Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services last week, citing what it described as “terrorizing conduct” that made continuing to employ them impossible.
The filings include text messages and emails that She’s Alive says Seaver sent beginning shortly before Parton’s death. Early messages allegedly threatened to undermine her brand, while later communications portrayed Seaver celebrating his sudden notoriety and describing himself as an “international arms dealer.”
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In a Sept. 1 message cited in the filings, Seaver allegedly wrote: “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.”
The complaint also says Seaver referenced work with private military contractors during the Iraq War and invoked that background while making the alleged threats.
The alleged messages prompted Parton’s trusts and estates attorney to withdraw and led several She’s Alive employees to resign, the documents state. The organization also hired private security for staff members, including protection at their homes.
The proposed restraining order would prohibit Seaver from communicating with She’s Alive employees, attorneys or business partners and from coming within 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) of them. It would also prevent him from disrupting the organization’s business relationships.
Parton’s catalog includes enduring hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her songs have generated more than 100 million sales worldwide and exceeded 1 billion online streams.
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