Dolly Parton’s Estate Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against Her Nephew

Dolly Parton’s estate has been granted a temporary restraining order against her nephew, Bryan Seaver.

Seaver was Parton’s longtime head of security. He also runs his own security company.

Per ABC News, a Tennessee judge issued the order Wednesday. It came after serious allegations were made against Seaver.

She’s Alive is the company overseeing Parton’s business empire after her death. The company accused Seaver of carrying out what it called “an obscene, deliberate and escalating campaign of threats.”

Seaver announced Parton’s death on Aug. 25. Per PEOPLE, he was later accused of trying to extort his late aunt’s estate and making violent, “chilling” threats. Court filings claim some of the alleged threats referenced his military background. The situation also reportedly led several employees to resign. Seaver was fired as Parton’s head of security earlier this month. He has denied threatening anyone. He also claims many of the comments described as threats were taken out of context during conversations with Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell.

Judge Orders Seaver to Stay Away

According to ABC News, the judge found there was enough concern to issue the temporary order.

The judge said the alleged conduct showed a “present and continuing disruption and threat” to She’s Alive.

The order places several restrictions on Seaver and his security company.

They must stay at least 1,000 feet away from people or businesses that have, or may have, a business relationship with She’s Alive.

A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7.

The court filing includes several serious accusations against Seaver.

She’s Alive claims he threatened attorneys, employees and business partners connected to Parton’s estate.

Seaver allegedly warned that he could “destroy the entire brand” unless he was paid.

The filing also claims he told a member of Parton’s legal team, “I’m not an entertainment person. I’m a killer.”

Bryan Seaver Denies the Allegations

Seaver has strongly denied making threats.

He told ABC News that the “killer” comment was taken out of context. He said it came from a longtime joke involving his aunt.

“Dolly called me her killer. It was a joke we used around her camp,” Seaver said.

He said Parton also had another nickname for him.

“I was her ‘baby boy ninja’ and Danny Nozell took that text out of context to somehow imagine that I was threatening him,” Seaver said. “He’s always called me The Killer.”

Seaver said he never threatened anyone.

“I’ve never threatened anyone,” he said. “They are my friends and my brothers and colleagues.”

Danny Nozell was Parton’s longtime manager and now oversees She’s Alive. He declined to comment to ABC News.

Seaver Says He Was Fired

The dispute comes shortly after Seaver lost his job as Parton’s head of security.

Seaver said he was fired last week.

He claims his company had previously reached an agreement to continue providing security services for the estate.

“I was fired,” Seaver told ABC News.

He said the estate had negotiated with him and his company for continued security services.

“A week later they fired me for these contrived ‘threats,’” he said.

Seaver is more than a former employee. He is also Parton’s nephew and the son of one of her 11 siblings.

He had a very public role after Parton’s death.

Seaver was the family member who officially announced her death in a video shared on her social media accounts.

Parton’s Sister Says There Is ‘No Feud’ in the Family

Parton’s sister, Freida, has spoken out in support of Seaver. In a Facebook statement shared Wednesday, Sept. 23, she insisted there is “no feud within our family.”

“No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly’s estate,” Freida wrote. “We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other.”

Who Was Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton was one of the biggest stars in country music history.

She was born in Tennessee in 1946. She grew up as one of 12 children in a poor family in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Parton eventually became an international superstar.

Her biggest songs included “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”

But her career went far beyond music.

Parton was also an actress, author, philanthropist and successful businesswoman. She became closely associated with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that bears her name.

She was also known for her charity work.

Her Imagination Library has provided books to children around the world.

Parton was married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years. Dean largely stayed away from the spotlight during his wife’s career.

He died in 2025 at age 82.

Parton and Dean did not have children.

Who Is Bryan Seaver?

Bryan Seaver is Parton’s nephew. He also spent years working as her head of security.

His job involved helping protect Parton during her travels, appearances and other professional activities.

Their relationship was also personal.

According to Seaver, his aunt jokingly called him her “killer.” He said she also called him her “baby boy ninja.”

Those nicknames have now become important in the legal dispute.

Seaver says his words were taken out of context. He insists he never threatened anyone.

She’s Alive tells a very different story.

The company claims Seaver’s behavior became threatening and disruptive after Parton’s death.

For now, the temporary restraining order remains in effect.

The next major step will come on Oct. 7, when a hearing is scheduled in Tennessee court.