Dolly Parton’s Manager Accuses Her Nephew of ‘Threats and Intimidation’

Dolly Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, has accused the late country music icon’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, of making threats and attempting to intimidate members of her management team following her death.

The allegations were contained in a legal filing seeking a temporary restraining order against Seaver. According to the filing, the dispute escalated after Seaver was removed from his position as head of security for Parton’s properties and businesses.

Seaver had served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades and was the family member chosen to publicly announce her death in August. However, the estate later terminated his security contract, with Nozell’s company alleging that his conduct had become increasingly threatening.

Court documents reportedly include a series of messages that the estate says demonstrate a campaign of threats, intimidation and coercion. The filing claims some employees and advisers became concerned for their safety, while private security was reportedly arranged for certain members of the team.

The dispute also appears to involve disagreements over money and the management of Parton’s business interests. The estate alleges that Seaver threatened to damage the singer’s business relationships and brand if his demands were not met.

Seaver has denied that his messages were intended as threats. In comments reported by TMZ, he argued that the communications had been taken out of context and described them as private conversations during a period of grief and conflict.

A Tennessee judge subsequently granted the estate a temporary restraining order. The order restricts Seaver and his security company from contacting or coming within 1,000 feet of employees, attorneys and business partners connected to Parton’s estate. A further hearing has been scheduled for October 7.

The legal dispute has added a new chapter to the handling of Parton’s legacy following her death. Her estate, which includes major entertainment and business interests, is now facing an internal family and management dispute as those involved navigate control of her affairs.