Dolly Parton’s estate has accused her nephew, Bryan Seaver, of making threats against her business empire. The claims appeared in court documents filed in Nashville on Tuesday. The estate also asked a judge to keep Seaver away from its workers and business partners.
The legal fight marks a rare moment of trouble around Parton’s carefully managed legacy. Her company, She’s Alive, manages and protects her professional assets. Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager, runs the entity. According to the court filing, Seaver sent increasingly threatening messages in the weeks around Parton’s death.
Last week, She’s Alive fired Seaver and his security company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services. The estate said his “terrorizing conduct” made it impossible to keep working with him. One message dated September 1 reportedly said:
“I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships.”
He also threatened to expose alleged violations involving the company.
According to the filing, Seaver also claimed experience with private military contractors during the Iraq War. His messages reportedly caused Parton’s trusts and estates lawyer to leave. Some She’s Alive employees also resigned. The estate then hired private security for staff members, including protection at their homes. The requested restraining order would keep Seaver 1,000 feet away from employees, lawyers and business partners.
Parton built one of music’s biggest legacies through decades of hit songs and business ventures. Her classics include “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her music has recorded more than 100 million worldwide sales and over 1 billion online streams. Seaver did not immediately respond to the Associated Press for comment.
