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A US court has ordered Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, to stay away from the late country music icon’s estate, employees and business partners following allegations of threats and demands for money.
Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles of Nashville Chancery Court issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday, directing Seaver to remain at least 1,000 feet away from estate employees and business partners and stay off private property belonging to the estate.
The order followed an application by Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, who accused Seaver of an escalating campaign of threats and intimidation against the people managing the singer’s business empire.
The estate alleged that Seaver’s communications contained threats made alongside demands for payment. The judge said the statements were significant because they were allegedly made alongside threats directed at specific individuals and business interests connected to Parton’s professional property and estate.
Seaver had worked as Parton’s head of security for years but was dismissed in September following the singer’s death on August 25 at the age of 80. He was also the family member who publicly announced her death.
Court papers cited by US media alleged that Seaver sent threatening messages, including one in which he warned that he would become “the hand of retribution for my entire family.”
The estate also alleged that he referred to himself as a “killer” and threatened to damage business relationships linked to Parton’s empire. Those allegations have not been established as facts in court.
Seaver has denied threatening anyone and described the restraining order as a “publicity stunt”. He has also said some of the messages were taken out of context and maintained that he was investigating how his aunt’s affairs were being handled after her death.
Parton’s business empire includes Dollywood theme park, a hotel and a museum project, alongside other commercial interests. Dollywood attracts millions of visitors annually and employs thousands of people.
The court has scheduled a hearing for October 7, when the dispute over the temporary restrictions is expected to receive further consideration.
