Bryan Seaver, Dolly Parton's nephew, says an escalating legal battle over the management of the late country star's estate has become a painful public ordeal that has "taken a toll on his family.”
In a statement sent to Newsweek on Monday through his attorneys, Dominic J. Leonardo and James L. Collier, Seaver appeared to accuse Parton's longtime manager Danny Nozell of presenting a one-sided account of their dispute and argued that messages cited in court filings have been taken out of context.
Newsweek contacted Nozell via email for comment on Monday.
The comments come as newly filed documents obtained by Newsweek show the estate continuing to rely on emails allegedly sent by Seaver as it pursues claims against him.
The dispute centers on allegations that Seaver interfered with estate-related business relationships after Parton's death, claims he denies. A court hearing is scheduled for October 20 as both sides continue filing new evidence.
Seaver Says Dispute Has Become Public Ordeal
Seaver's attorneys issued a statement Monday describing the case as a private family matter that has become increasingly public.
"Mr. Seaver has always been a private person, but he was chosen by his aunt, with his family's approval, to make the announcement about Dolly's passing," the statement said.
The attorneys added that Seaver "would have preferred to remain a private person as this ordeal has taken a toll on his family."
According to the statement, the dispute appears to involve a disagreement between Seaver and Nozell, the sole manager of She's Alive LLC, the company established to oversee Parton's estate after her death.
The lawyers argued that media coverage and court filings have presented an incomplete account of the dispute, saying messages attributed to Seaver were misleading because they were taken out of context.
While criticizing what they described as one-sided reporting, the statement said Seaver and his family remain committed to resolving the matter and preserving Parton's legacy.
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Estate Points to Seaver's Emails
Newly filed court documents obtained by Newsweek include emails that the estate alleges were sent by Seaver during disputes involving a Nashville property linked to Parton's estate.
One August email allegedly criticized construction work, complained about delays and warned that attorneys could become involved if disagreements continued.
Estate lawyers highlighted that communication because Seaver later requested additional time to obtain legal counsel. They argued the earlier reference to "my lawyers" undermined that position.
Court records show Seaver has since retained attorneys Leonardo and Collier, who formally entered appearances on behalf of Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services, or SAPS.
Other messages cited in the filings allegedly expressed frustration over project management, security arrangements and contractor performance.
The strongest language referenced by the estate included threats of possible legal action and suggestions that unfavorable information about the project could be made public.
Seaver has denied wrongdoing and previously argued that statements attributed to him have been removed from their broader context and do not amount to threats.
Claims of Avoiding Service
Separate filings focus on efforts to deliver court papers to Seaver.
According to estate attorneys, process servers made multiple unsuccessful attempts to serve documents at his residence. The filings state that a no-trespassing sign was later placed on the property and that barbed wire and caution tape were positioned near the entrance.
The estate argues those circumstances suggest an effort to evade service and should not be grounds for postponing the proceedings.
How the Dispute Began
Nozell initiated the lawsuit on behalf of the estate's management company.
Court records allege Seaver interfered with business relationships through threats, intimidation and coercion. Earlier in the case, a judge granted a temporary restraining order after finding evidence that certain communications appeared to combine payment demands with threatening language.
The order requires Seaver to stay 1,000 feet away from estate personnel and business associates, avoid estate-controlled properties and refrain from harassing conduct.
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Seaver previously served as a longtime security provider for Parton through SAPS and was the family member who publicly announced her death on August 25. Court filings state that removing him from security-related responsibilities did not affect his status as a beneficiary of the trust.
What Happens Next
An October 6 court order extended the temporary restraining order from its original October 8 expiration date until October 20.
Under the current schedule, Seaver's response is due October 13, and the estate's reply is due October 16.
The October 20 hearing is expected to provide the clearest picture yet of how a conflict that began behind the scenes evolved into a closely watched legal battle over the management of Parton's estate and business interests.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Gray R. Thomas