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Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver claims threatening text messages at the center of his legal battle with Parton’s business associates were taken out of context, insisting they were private exchanges with a longtime friend about a business dispute.
In a new court filing, Seaver, 49, argues that Danny Nozell — Parton’s longtime manager — encouraged him to publicize his military and weapons-related background before later citing similar messages as evidence of threatening behavior. Seaver claims Nozell even encouraged him to promote his background as an arms dealer and mercenary.
Seaver acknowledges using profane language in the exchanges, including threatening to “destroy Dolly’s brand partnerships,” but insists he was talking about damaging business relationships and reputations, not physically harming anyone.
The messages at the center of the dispute were sent in the weeks surrounding Parton’s death on Aug. 25, according to the filing.
Seaver claims the dispute stemmed in part from an approximately $251,000 payment owed to his security company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, for work performed at Parton’s properties.
He says the money has since been paid.
Parton’s nephew also alleges that his complaints about conditions at Parton’s SongTeller Hotel contributed to the rift. He claims he documented guards allegedly smoking marijuana on the property and sleeping while on duty, as well as construction delays and unfinished fire-system inspections.
Seaver says Parton knew he was “pressing” Herschend Family Entertainment, which operates the hotel and Dollywood, about those issues and supported his efforts.
In a particularly notable detail, Seaver included a Nov. 11, 2024, letter from Parton recommending his company for security work at the hotel and museum.
In the letter, Parton described Seaver’s personnel as “very professional, very discreet, and very good at what they do.”
She also called him the longtime head of her security and asked the hotel’s leadership to meet with him before making a final decision about security arrangements.
Seaver claims Nozell continued exchanging friendly messages with him after some of the texts now being cited as threats. He says Nozell even discussed arranging a long-form podcast interview for him on “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Seaver further disputes allegations that his communications caused an estate attorney to withdraw from representing the trust. He says Nozell told him on Sept. 10 that both estate attorneys had quit and that he did not know what was happening, adding that Nozell stated that the bank was “taking everything over.”
She’s Alive LLC, the estate management company established to oversee the catalog, brand partnerships, and commercial affairs of Parton, sought a restraining order against Seaver and his company after his security contract was terminated in September. The company has alleged that his conduct threatened its business relationships and personnel.
Seaver argues that the requested restrictions are overly broad, claiming they could prevent him from coming within 1,000 feet of people who have business relationships with She’s Alive LLC — including relatives connected to Dolly’s businesses.
Seaver also says the dispute has brought unwanted media attention to his family.
In his affidavit, he claims reporters repeatedly came to his home, contacted his wife and children, and approached his wife’s 96-year-old grandmother. He says his 17-year-old son placed barbed wire across their front steps to deter visitors.
He further claims a magnetized camera was found near his home, though he says he does not know who placed it or who may have commissioned it.
Seaver is asking the court to deny She’s Alive’s LLC bid to extend the temporary restraining order and issue a temporary injunction.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 20.