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Bryan Seaver, the nephew of the late Dolly Parton and her longtime head of security, has formally denied sending threatening messages to his aunt’s estate. In a Tennessee court filing reviewed by The Associated Press, Seaver pushed back against claims made by Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, who had sought a restraining order accusing him of threatening violence and vowing to destroy Parton’s legacy and business empire.
Seaver Calls Messages Private Conversations Between Friends
In an affidavit opposing the restraining order becoming permanent, Seaver described the disputed text messages as a “private conversation between two friends who were both frustrated, grieving and discussing strategy.” He said the messages were exchanged shortly before and after Parton’s death on August 25. Seaver also stated that he never sent threatening messages to any of Parton’s businesses, business partners or their employees.
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Furthermore, Seaver claimed that Nozell did not react with alarm to the messages at the time. According to Seaver’s filing, Nozell agreed with or responded positively to some of them. Seaver also alleged that Nozell encouraged him to publicly promote the military and arms aspects of his security company as a smart business move. He then claims Nozell reversed course and used those same comments as evidence of dangerous intent.
In a message cited by The New York Times, Seaver wrote: “I trusted Danny. And that’s what those messages were, two friends and brothers commiserating on the people that have screwed Dolly over for many many years.” Seaver also described Nozell as his longtime confidant and “best friend.”
Estate Alleges Campaign of Threats and Intimidation
Parton’s estate, She’s Alive LLC, terminated Seaver and his company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, last month. The estate alleged his “terrorizing conduct made their continued retention untenable.” Court filings stated that Seaver began his alleged campaign of threats weeks before Parton’s passing. In writing, he reportedly vowed to “destroy the entire brand” and told her entertainment attorney: “I’m not an entertainment person. I’m a killer.”
The Associated Press also reported that Seaver sent messages to She’s Alive referencing his public profile and describing himself as an “international arms dealer.” Chancellor l’Ashea L. Myles granted a temporary restraining order against Seaver, citing his “claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate.”
Under the order, Seaver and his company must stay off She’s Alive property. They must also avoid contact with or proximity to She’s Alive employees and business partners within approximately 300 metres. In addition, the order bars Seaver from interfering with the estate’s business relationships. Seaver has argued the order is so broad that much of Nashville — and even some of his own relatives — falls within its restrictions.
Property Barricade and Family Response
Earlier this month, Parton’s estate accused Seaver of using barbed wire, yellow caution tape and “no trespassing” signs to barricade his property. Lawyers alleged he did this to avoid being served with a lawsuit. Court filings reviewed by NBC News and People included images showing the signs, barbed wire and caution tape wrapped around the handrails leading to his front door.
Meanwhile, Parton’s sister Freida Parton addressed the dispute publicly on September 23. She posted on Instagram, writing: “I’ll say this and this only: There is no feud within our family. No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly’s estate. We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other.”
Seaver was the person who announced Parton’s death in a video on August 25. “I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” he said. He also noted that he had served as her head of security for more than two decades, a role his father Larry held before him. “Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” he added.
Both Seaver and She’s Alive LLC will present their cases to Chancellor Myles at a hearing scheduled for October 20.
