Dolly Parton’s estate has secured a temporary restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company, following allegations that he made threats of violence and sought payment.
A Tennessee judge ordered Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services (SAPS), which had provided Parton’s security detail, to stay away from property belonging to She’s Alive, the entity established to manage and protect the singer’s estate.
The order also bars them from speaking to, or coming within 305 metres of, She’s Alive employees and business partners. It prohibits interference with the organisation’s business relationships.
The judge cited repeated threats outlined in the complaint, as well as Seaver’s alleged demands for money and his “claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate”. The communications were described as “concerning”, with the court specifically noting an alleged threat to use force.
She’s Alive, which is run by Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell, filed the complaint against Seaver and SAPS. The organisation terminated Seaver and the company last week, saying in court documents that his “terrorising conduct made their continued retention untenable”.
The filings allege that Seaver sent increasingly threatening messages over several weeks, beginning shortly before Parton’s death. They say he threatened to damage the singer’s brand before later celebrating his newfound fame and describing himself as an “international arms dealer”.
In one message dated September 1, 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 alleges that Seaver referred to work for private military contractors overseas during the Iraq war while making the threats.
According to the court documents, the messages contributed to the departure of Parton’s trusts and estates attorney and the resignation of She’s Alive employees. The organisation has also hired private security for staff, including at their homes, the filings state.
Seaver, who was chosen by Parton to announce her death in August, did not respond to a request for comment. Representatives for SAPS also did not respond.
A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for October 7.
Parton, 80, was known for songs including Jolene, Coat Of Many Colours and I Will Always Love You, which collectively achieved more than 100 million sales worldwide.
