Dolly Parton’s nephew has hit back at the singer’s estate’s “misleading” claims, insisting his “side of the story” is in the works.
Bryan Seaver was fired last month as the late country icon's head of security, and is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Dolly’s estate over accusations he made "chilling" threats referencing his military background - which he has denied.
She's Alive, the company Dolly established to protect her business interests after her death, claimed Seaver used extreme measures to avoid summons, with Dolly's manager Danny Nozell filing for a restraining order on behalf of She's Alive, alleging Seaver had threatened him and attempted to extort him.
As the back and forth between Seaver and the estate continues, he released a statement via his attorneys Dominic J. Leonardo and James L. Collier in which he blasted the claims made against him, while promising that he will soon come forward with his own stance on the situation.
The statement read: “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. He would have preferred to remain a private person as this ordeal has taken a toll on his family.
“While the family was grieving, the business manager went to court and the media with a surprising and incomplete story. Seeing text messages that are misleading and taken out of context has been very hurtful to our client and his family.
“The restraining order was granted ‘ex parte’ without the benefit of the court hearing Mr. Seaver’s side of the story, which is coming.”
The statement continued: “While Mr. Seaver and family work through this they trust the bright light of Dolly’s legacy remains untouched and they are eager to amicably and expeditiously resolve this matter.”
A court hearing was originally scheduled for October 9, but has been delayed until October 20 after Seaver asked for more time setting up the appropriate legal counsel.
Dolly passed away in August aged 80, after losing her battle with cancer.