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Dolly Parton death announcement
Head of security Bryan Seaver announces the passing of his aunt, music legend Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton’s estate has asked a judge to keep her nephew away from Parton’s employees and business dealings after he allegedly sent threatening text messages and said he is "dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships."
Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew at the center of a new court battle, was handpicked by Parton to announce her death from cancer last month.
Dolly Parton’s nephew fired
What we know:
According to court documents reviewed by The Associated Press, She’s Alive, the entity that manages Parton’s businesses, claims Seaver threatened to commit violence and destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire.
She’s Alive claims Seaver sent increasingly threatening messages over the last several weeks. She’s Alive is run by Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager. Parton was one of the world’s most beloved celebrities.
Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
What they're saying:
Last week, "She’s Alive" terminated Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services, Seaver’s company that provided Parton’s security detail, saying his "terrorizing conduct made their continued retention untenable," according to court documents.
RELATED: Dolly Parton’s nephew fired from security role at singer’s properties: report
‘Terrorizing conduct’
Court documents include text messages and emails reportedly sent by Seaver starting just before Parton’s death. The messages begin with threats to destroy the brand, and then after her death, depict Seaver reveling in his newfound fame and calling himself an "international arms dealer."
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"I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships and telling the violations these people have done on us. It’s going to be great. Or f——— pay me," he allegedly wrote.
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Music professor on how Dolly Parton improved our world
A music professor says Parton’s songwriting and vocal style brought attention to women’s empowerment, LGBTQ+ acceptance and working-class life. (Credit: Annika Socolofsky, University of Colorado Boulder via AP, WFLD)
Seaver also claimed that he worked for private military contractors overseas during the Iraq War and used that experience as part of these threats, according to the complaint.
RELATED: Nashville International Airport to be renamed after Dolly Parton
Court documents claim Seaver’s behavior has prompted Parton’s estate attorneys and She’s Alive employees to resign. She’s Alive has also had to hire private security for its employees, including at their homes, the documents state.
What we don't know:
Seaver wasn’t immediately available for comment.
The Source: This article includes information from The Associated Press.