Members of Dolly Parton's family and business empire have become embroiled in a dispute over her estate. Danny Nozell, the country icon's longtime manager, has filed a restraining order against Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver, her longtime head of security and the man who announced her death to the world. Court documents filed on Sept. 22 allege intimidation and threats.
Who is Dolly Parton's head of security, Bryan Seaver?
Bryan Seaver is the son of Dolly Parton's sister Cassie. He has run a security firm responsible for looking after Parton and her properties for the last 20 years, a position he took over from his father, Larry.
His LinkedIn profile lists experience as a military police officer and operational security consultant for Phoenix Consulting Group, LLC, before he became director of security for CTK
Management, a company run by Nozell. Seaver subsequently became the CEO of Fencebridge Strategic Risk, LTD, in 2015. His profile also lists experience as a police investigator, and as "Colonel/ Squadron Commander" for The Tennessee Rangers.
In March 2019, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee named Seaver "Colonel Aide de Camp, Governor’s Staff," an honorary civilian award given for outstanding service, "lifelong dedication and devotion to the security of the state and the protection of its treasures."
He is currently listed as CEO of SAPS Squadron Augmented Protection Services, LLC, and Nightingale Group, LLC.
After being handpicked by Parton to announce her passing on Aug. 25, Seaver was issued a termination letter on Sept. 16 barring him and his companies from all Parton properties.
The Sept. 22 lawsuit noted Seaver's background as a "private military contractor," and listed a series of threats he allegedly made to Nozell and members of the Parton family.
"Mr. Seaver has been relentless," the lawsuit states. "He has individually, and through his associates, made repeated, written threats to Ms. Parton's staff, partners, legal and business advisors, and others. 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. Many of these people are now afraid to come to work or have resigned entirely because they do not feel safe."
At the time of her death, Parton's estate was estimated to be worth between $450 million and $650 million. The estate is managed by She's Alive LLC, which is run by Nozell.
The lawsuit was filed in Davidson County Chancery Court. Seaver has not yet filed a response. The Tennessean left Seaver a voicemail and text seeking comment on the morning of Sept. 23.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who is Bryan Seaver? Dolly Parton's nephew named in new court fight
