Dolly Parton's Manager Files Lawsuit Against Her Nephew for Alleged Threats

<figure><img alt="Dolly Parton performs onstage during MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/WLPXXFB2P5BD5IOOX6KP7HZCLA.jpg?auth=05653738f982f745fd5c26121b48d800ef1f704f4e30feafbc64fc1b7069ae45&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5470&amp;height=3077" /><figcaption>Rich Fury/Getty Images for NARAS</figcaption></figure><p>A lawsuit has been filed by She’s Alive, LLC (SAL), the entity created by Dolly Parton to protect her legacy, against her nephew, Bryan Seaver. The lawsuit accuses Seaver of making threats and extortion following his dismissal from Parton's properties. The temporary restraining order requested by SAL was granted on September 22.</p><p>Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security and announced her death, is alleged to have engaged in a campaign of threats to acquire funds from the estate. Court documents indicate that Seaver invoked his military experience and access to weapons to secure his demands.</p><p>One filing states, “As the entity entrusted by Ms. Parton to protect and promote her life’s work for future generations, SAL must cultivate a safe work environment for employees, advisors, and partners, free from intimidation or hostility.” The complaint claims that Seaver's actions could cause irreparable harm to SAL.</p><p>Seaver reportedly threatened at least one Dollywood business, stating in a text message, “Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I’m going to f--- everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family.” He also described himself as “a killer” and claimed to have sold $27 million in arms to the Haitian police on the day Parton died.</p><p>Seaver threatened to ruin Dolly Parton’s brand partnerships through a podcast unless compensated by the estate. His threats reportedly began shortly before Parton’s death on August 25, following a brief battle with cancer.</p><p>Seaver, who inherited his role from his father, has denied the allegations, asserting that he and his team are committed to protecting Parton’s family. He characterized the messages exchanged with SAL's manager, Danny Nozell, as “rage talk” between friends during a time of grief.</p><p>Seaver stated, “I am a career soldier and military contractor and do conduct arms deals for foreign governments. I am a security professional and I am a killer. However, nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by.”</p>