A Tennessee judge has ordered Bryan Seaver, nephew of late country music star Dolly Parton, to stay away from employees, business partners and properties connected to the singer’s estate following allegations of threatening communications.
Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles of Nashville Chancery Court issued the temporary restraining order on Wednesday after Parton’s estate sought legal protection against Seaver and his private security company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services.
Under the order, Seaver and the company are prohibited from entering properties controlled by She’s Alive, the entity established to manage and protect Parton’s estate. They must also remain at least 1,000 feet from the organisation’s employees and business partners and are barred from interfering with its business relationships.
The court has scheduled a further hearing for October 7.
The legal dispute emerged shortly after Seaver was dismissed from his long-standing role providing security for Parton’s properties. He had reportedly worked in the security role for more than two decades, having succeeded his father, Larry Seaver.
Parton personally selected Seaver to announce her death in an emotional video last month. The singer died at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026.
Following his dismissal, however, the estate accused Seaver of sending increasingly threatening messages to people associated with the management of Parton’s business interests.
According to court filings, She’s Alive alleged that the messages included threats against the estate and demands for payment. The judge said the communications cited in the complaint were concerning, particularly because some allegedly involved threats of force and references to Seaver’s claimed access to weapons and previous experience in private security and military contracting.
One message cited in court documents was allegedly sent on September 1. The estate said Seaver threatened to establish a podcast aimed at damaging Parton’s brand partnerships unless he was paid.
The estate also alleged that the dispute had begun affecting its operations. Court documents said Parton’s trusts and estates attorney had left and some employees of She’s Alive had resigned amid the controversy. The organisation also said it had hired additional private security for employees, including protection at their homes.
Seaver has disputed the estate’s characterization of the dispute. In comments reported by US media, he said he was investigating how his aunt’s affairs were being managed and rejected the suggestion that he was attempting to undermine her legacy.
His representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the granting of the restraining order, according to the Associated Press.
The court order is temporary and does not represent a final determination of the allegations against Seaver. The October 7 hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for the parties to present further arguments concerning the dispute.
The estate at the centre of the legal battle includes significant business interests associated with Parton, including Dollywood, her Tennessee theme park, as well as other properties and ventures.
Parton, who built an international career as a singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, died after decades in the public eye. Her death prompted tributes across the United States and internationally.
The dispute over her estate now adds a legal dimension to the process of managing her business interests and legacy following her death.
For now, Seaver remains subject to the temporary restrictions imposed by the Nashville court, including the 1,000-foot distance requirement and the prohibition against entering properties controlled by She’s Alive. The next major development in the case is expected at the October 7 hearing.
