Dolly Parton’s nephew denies threat allegations after restraining order filed by her estate

What This Story Is About

• Bryan Seaver, who is Dolly Parton’s nephew and former chief of security, is denying allegations that he ever sent threatening messages or threatened to destroy the Queen of Country’s legacy.

Why It Matters

• Her estate-management entity, She’s Alive, accused Seaver and his security company of threatening violence and trying to damage Parton’s legacy and business empire.

What Happens Next

• Seaver and Dolly Parton’s estate will make their casers at a hearing set for next Wednesday.

For Context

• Parton died on Aug. 25. Before her death, Parton handpicked Seaver to announce her death after she succumbed to cancer.

Catch Up

• Dolly Parton’s estate granted temporary restraining order against singer’s nephew
• Dolly Parton’s nephew seeks delay in restraining order hearing. Here’s what to know
• Dolly Parton’s estate claims her nephew used barbed wire and caution tape to avoid being summoned

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Bryan Seaver, who is Dolly Parton’s nephew and former chief of security, is denying allegations that he ever sent threatening messages or threatened to destroy the late icon’s legacy.

Parton died on Aug. 25. Before her death, Parton handpicked Seaver to announce her death after she succumbed to cancer.

Parton, widely known as the Queen of Country, was a beloved music legend, philanthropist and cultural icon. She wrote hundreds of songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “9 to 5′ and “Coat of Many Colors.”

Parton’s estate was granted a temporary restraining order in September against Seaver and his private security company, which was recently extended by a Tennessee judge earlier this month. Her estate-management entity, She’s Alive, accused Seaver and his security company of threatening violence and trying to damage Parton’s legacy and business empire.

Seaver denied those claims in new court filings.

In an affidavit opposing the temporary order becoming permanent filed Tuesday, Seaver said the text messages used to obtain the restraining order were taken out of context and that they were “private messages” between him and Danny Nozell, who is the manager of She’s Alive.

“The text messages that SAL attaches to its Verified Complaint as Exhibits 1 through 5 were private messages between Mr. Nozell and me,” the document said.

In one message cited by Parton’s estate, Seaver said: “I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships and telling the violations these people have done to us.”

Seaver went on to say the messages were not sent to anyone at Dollywood, Herschand Family Entertainment, She’s Alive employees, or any brand partner or license.

“They were sent in the course of private conversations between two friends who were both frustrated, grieving, and discussing strategy following Ms. Parton’s illness and death,” the complaint said.

Seaver said his anger and demand were only over more than a quarter million dollars that he was owed for work he had already completed.

In the affidavit, Seaver also included a 2024 letter from Parton praising him and his company.

Read the full affidavit below.

Seaver and Dolly Parton’s estate will make their cases at a hearing set for next Wednesday, Oct. 21.