Dolly Parton’s nephew has denied threatening people connected to Dollywood or the singer’s business partners, arguing in court documents that private text messages were taken out of context.
Bryan Seaver said the messages were exchanged with Danny Nozell, Parton’s long-time manager, whom he described as one of his closest friends at the time. He said the pair had been venting about business frustrations following Parton’s death.
Seaver acknowledged using harsh language, including references to destroying the Dollywood brand and pursuing its business partners. However, he said those comments referred to damaging reputations rather than physically harming anyone.
He also rejected claims that he tried to intimidate workers at Parton’s properties, saying he had not visited Dollywood for more than a decade.
At the centre of the dispute is money owed to Seaver’s security company. He claims it was due approximately 251,000 dollars for work connected with Parton’s properties, and said messages demanding payment were not intended as threats. He maintains the bills have since been paid.
Seaver further denied that his consideration of a podcast or major media interview was intended to intimidate anyone. He said he had been exploring ways to present his account of the dispute.
The legal conflict has also affected his family, according to Seaver. He claims reporters have repeatedly appeared at his home, prompting his 17-year-old son to suggest putting barbed wire across the front steps.
Seaver is asking a judge to reject an application by Parton’s business interests to extend a restraining order. He argues that the emergency restrictions have made it nearly impossible for him to work in Nashville.
He maintains that he never intended to harm anyone and does not want the dispute to damage Parton’s legacy.
