Dolly Parton’s longtime manager is seeking a restraining order against the late singer’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, alleging he made threats and attempted to extort him following his dismissal from the family’s business.
According to TMZ, manager Danny Nozell filed a lawsuit requesting a court order that would prohibit Seaver from coming within 1,000 feet of Parton’s offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and from interfering with the business. The lawsuit comes after Seaver was reportedly fired from his longtime position as head of security.
Lawsuit Alleges Threats Began Before Parton’s Death
According to the complaint, Nozell alleges Seaver used his background as a contractor and his access to weapons while demanding money. The lawsuit claims the alleged threats began several weeks before Dolly Parton’s death.
Among the messages cited in the filing is one that allegedly states:
“Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere, or I’m going to f–k everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family.”
Nozell alleges the messages amount to threats and attempted extortion.
Seaver Denies Wrongdoing
Seaver has denied the allegations, telling TMZ that the messages have been taken out of context.
“A lot of these messages are two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving,” Seaver said Monday, referring to conversations with Nozell following his termination.
According to Seaver, he later received a termination letter informing him that both he and his security company had been dismissed from all of Dolly Parton’s properties.
The restraining order request remains pending, and the allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.