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Dolly Parton death announcement
Head of security Bryan Seaver announces the passing of his aunt, music legend Dolly Parton.
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer’s nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
She’s Alive, the entity founded to manage Parton’s estate, had filed the complaint against Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services a day prior. The estate accused Seaver of threatening to commit violence and destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire in court filings.
The order says the court took into account the repeated threats cited in the complaint, as well as the alleged demands for payment and Seaver’s "claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate."
As part of the order, Seaver and SAPS must refrain from entering any She’s Alive property or talking with or being within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of She’s Alive employees, attorneys and business partners. The order is also meant to keep him from interfering with its business relationships.
A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7.
Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew at the center of a new court battle, was handpicked by Parton to announce her death from cancer last month.
Dolly Parton’s nephew fired
What we know:
According to court documents reviewed by The Associated Press, She’s Alive, the entity that manages Parton’s businesses, claims Seaver threatened to commit violence and destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire.
She’s Alive claims Seaver sent increasingly threatening messages over the last several weeks. She’s Alive is run by Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager. Parton was one of the world’s most beloved celebrities.
Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
What they're saying:
Last week, "She’s Alive" terminated Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services, Seaver’s company that provided Parton’s security detail, saying his "terrorizing conduct made their continued retention untenable," according to court documents.
RELATED: Dolly Parton’s nephew fired from security role at singer’s properties: report
‘Terrorizing conduct’
Court documents include text messages and emails reportedly sent by Seaver starting just before Parton’s death. The messages begin with threats to destroy the brand, and then after her death, depict Seaver reveling in his newfound fame and calling himself an "international arms dealer."
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"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," he allegedly wrote.
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Music professor on how Dolly Parton improved our world
A music professor says Parton’s songwriting and vocal style brought attention to women’s empowerment, LGBTQ+ acceptance and working-class life. (Credit: Annika Socolofsky, University of Colorado Boulder via AP, WFLD)
Seaver also claimed that he worked for private military contractors overseas during the Iraq War and used that experience as part of these threats, according to the complaint.
RELATED: Nashville International Airport to be renamed after Dolly Parton
Court documents claim Seaver’s behavior has prompted Parton’s estate attorneys and She’s Alive employees to resign. She’s Alive has also had to hire private security for its employees, including at their homes, the documents state.
What we don't know:
Seaver wasn’t immediately available for comment.
The Source: This article includes information from The Associated Press.