Dolly Parton’s Estate Gets Temporary Restraining Order Against Nephew

A Tennessee judge has granted Dolly Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order against her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and his private security company following allegations of escalating threats.

The order was granted Wednesday after She’s Alive, the entity responsible for managing Parton’s estate and business interests, filed a complaint against Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services.

According to court documents, the estate accused Seaver of making repeated threats involving violence and of attempting to damage Parton’s business and legacy. The filing also alleges that Seaver demanded payment and claimed to have access to weapons and experience with violence.

Under the temporary order, Seaver and SAPS are prohibited from contacting or coming within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of She’s Alive employees, attorneys and business partners. The order also bars them from interfering with the estate’s business relationships.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 7.

Seaver did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment. Representatives of SAPS also did not respond.

According to court filings, She’s Alive ended its relationship with Seaver and his company last week, citing what it described as threatening and intimidating behavior. The documents include a series of alleged text messages and emails that reportedly became increasingly hostile in the weeks surrounding Parton’s death.

The estate claims the messages included threats to damage Parton’s brand partnerships and statements in which Seaver described himself as an “international arms dealer.” The filings also say he referenced previous work with private military contractors overseas.

The alleged communications reportedly caused Parton’s trusts and estates attorney to leave and led several employees of She’s Alive to resign. The estate also says it hired additional private security for employees and their homes.

Seaver had previously provided security services for Parton and was personally selected to announce her death from cancer last month.

Parton, one of country music’s most influential performers and songwriters, recorded hundreds of songs during her decades-long career, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her music has generated more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams, according to the AP.

The restraining order is temporary and does not represent a final ruling on the allegations.