A Tennessee judge has granted Dolly Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order against the late singer’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, and his private security company following allegations that he made threatening statements and attempted to interfere with the management of her business interests.

The order was issued Wednesday after She’s Alive, the entity established to manage and protect Parton’s estate and professional interests, filed a complaint against Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services. The filing accused Seaver of threatening violence and attempting to damage Parton’s legacy and business empire.

Under the temporary order, Seaver and his company are prohibited from communicating with or coming within 1,000 feet of employees, attorneys and business partners of She’s Alive. The order also bars them from interfering with the estate’s business relationships.

A hearing has been scheduled for October 7.

Seaver owns the security company that previously provided protection for Parton and had been selected by the singer to announce her death from cancer last month. He did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

According to court documents, She’s Alive said Seaver had sent increasingly threatening messages in the weeks surrounding Parton’s death. The organization, which is run by Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell, terminated Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services last week, citing what the documents described as “terrorizing conduct.”

The filings include a series of text messages and emails that She’s Alive says were sent by Seaver beginning shortly before Parton’s death. The messages allegedly included threats to damage the Dolly Parton brand and references to Seaver’s newfound public profile after her death.

In one message dated September 1, Seaver allegedly threatened to launch a podcast aimed at damaging Parton’s business partnerships and exposing alleged violations. The court filing also said he claimed to have worked for private military contractors overseas during the Iraq War and referenced that experience in connection with his threats.

She’s Alive said the messages contributed to the departure of its trusts and estates attorney and several employees. The organization also said it had been forced to hire additional private security for employees, including protection at their homes.

The dispute represents a rare public conflict surrounding the management of Parton’s estate, which had previously been closely managed. The court proceedings will determine how the allegations and business dispute develop.

Parton was one of country music’s most successful performers and songwriters, with songs including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” According to the report, her music has generated more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams.

SOURCE: Associated Press, September 24, 2026.