Dolly Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, has filed for a temporary restraining order against Bryan Seaver, the singer's nephew. Nozell accuses Seaver of making violent threats and attempting to pressure him for money. This development comes after a dispute that intensified following Parton's death on August 25, 2026. Seaver was previously dismissed from his role as head of security on September 15.
According to court documents, Seaver allegedly made several threatening statements. In one message, he wrote: "Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I'm going to f*** everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family." Another message allegedly stated: "I'm going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly's brand partnership and telling the violations these people have done on us."
The court filing also includes messages in which Seaver allegedly wrote: "All I do is warfare … everyone needs to be worried about what I might do," and "I'm not an entertainment person. I'm a killer." Nozell is seeking to prevent Seaver from interfering with Parton's business and contacting business partners, as well as keeping him 1,000 feet away from the offices.
Seaver, however, denies that his messages constituted threats and claims they were taken out of context. He told TMZ that he is a career soldier and military contractor and conducts arms deals for foreign governments. Seaver added that he is a security professional and a killer, but insists that his comments were not threats.
Seaver explained that he was talking frankly with Nozell, whom he considered a friend, in a private manner while they were grieving. He described their conversation as "two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving." Seaver also addressed the alleged "ratf**k" message, stating that it referred to specific business partners who had done wrong to Parton.
As a security chief for Parton for years, Seaver was the family member who announced her death publicly. Following his dismissal, Nozell sought a restraining order against him. The court will need to review the evidence and hear from both parties before making a decision.
The case highlights the complexities of managing a high-profile estate and the potential for disputes among family members and associates. Key points include:
Key points
- Nozell accuses Seaver of making violent threats and attempting to pressure him for money.
- Seaver denies that his messages constituted threats and claims they were taken out of context.
- The court will need to review the evidence and hear from both parties before making a decision.
