Dolly Parton’s nephew and former head of security, Bryan Seaver, has been dismissed from his role following allegations that he made threats against members of the singer’s estate and sought to damage her business interests.

The dispute emerged after Parton’s death on August 25, with her estate seeking a temporary restraining order against Seaver. Court documents filed in Nashville allege that Seaver sent a series of increasingly threatening messages to employees, lawyers and other people connected with the estate.

Seaver, who worked with Parton for more than two decades, has denied the allegations and described the restraining order as a publicity stunt. In a statement to ABC News, he said: “The restraining order is spurious and simply a publicity stunt.”

Seaver Was Parton’s Head of Security

Seaver owned a company that provided security services for Parton and had been closely involved with the country music star for years.

He was also the family member chosen to publicly announce Parton’s death. In a video released after her death, Seaver confirmed that the singer had died on August 25 at the age of 80.

According to court documents, however, tensions between Seaver and the estate escalated around the time of Parton’s death.

The estate, which is managed by Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell, alleges that Seaver began making threats after learning that Parton’s death could be imminent.

Estate Alleges ‘Relentless’ Threats

The legal filing describes what the estate characterized as a campaign of intimidation involving Seaver’s alleged references to weapons, military contracting and violence.

The Guardian reported that the court documents allege Seaver wrote to one of Parton’s lawyers: “I’m a killer.”

The documents also allege that he told Nozell: “I’m literally an international arms dealer and mercenary. All I do is warfare. Everyone needs to be worried about what I might do.”

The estate further alleges that Seaver claimed to have been involved in a multimillion-dollar arms and ammunition deal involving Haiti.

These claims are contained in the estate’s legal filings and have not been established as facts in court.

Estate Says Employees Became Afraid

According to the court filing, the alleged messages caused growing concern among people working for Parton’s estate.

The estate claimed that some employees became afraid to come to work or resigned because they did not feel safe.

The filing stated: “These were not ordinary workplace disputes or heated words; they were deliberate threats from a self-proclaimed heavily armed, former security operative with a military-contractor background.”

The estate also said it had been forced to increase security arrangements for employees, including security at their homes.

Parton’s trusts and estates attorney reportedly left amid the dispute, while other employees also resigned, according to the legal documents.

Seaver Allegedly Threatened Parton’s Business Interests

The dispute was not limited to alleged threats against individuals.

The estate says Seaver also threatened to publicly attack Parton’s commercial relationships and legacy.

One message included in the court documents allegedly stated: “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.”

The estate interpreted the messages as an attempt to pressure it into meeting Seaver’s demands.

The legal filing also alleges that Seaver referred to his experience with private military contractors and his access to weapons while making the threats.

Estate Seeks Restraining Order

Parton’s estate has asked a Tennessee court to restrict Seaver’s contact with people connected to the organisation She’s Alive, which oversees Parton’s professional property and business interests.

The requested restrictions would prevent Seaver from communicating with or coming within 1,000 feet of the estate’s employees, attorneys and business partners. The estate also wants him prevented from interfering with its business relationships.

A temporary restraining order was granted on September 22, according to reports.

Seaver Calls Order a Publicity Stunt

Seaver has rejected the estate’s characterization of the dispute.

Confirming that he had been fired, he also acknowledged that the restraining order had been placed against him.

In his statement to ABC News, Seaver said: “The restraining order is spurious and simply a publicity stunt.”

His response contrasts sharply with the allegations contained in the estate’s court filings, which portray his communications as increasingly threatening.

The allegations remain part of an ongoing legal dispute and have not been proven in court.

Dispute Emerges After Parton’s Death

The legal battle comes less than a month after Parton died at the age of 80.

The singer’s death marked the end of a career spanning decades and involving hundreds of songs, major business ventures and international recognition. Her catalogue includes songs such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Parton’s estate is now responsible for managing her extensive professional and commercial interests.

The dispute involving Seaver has introduced an unexpected conflict into that process, with the estate seeking court protection while Seaver contests its allegations.

As the legal proceedings continue, the claims made by both sides remain subject to the court process.