Dolly Parton estate seeks restraining order against nephew over alleged threats

According to a lawsuit filed in a Tennessee court, Seaver, who was responsible for announcing Parton's death, was fired from his security role by the estate, managed by Danny Nozell. The lawsuit claims Seaver made deliberate threats, describing him as a "heavily armed, former security operative with a military-contractor background." The estate alleges that many staff members now fear coming to work or have resigned due to safety concerns.

Seaver allegedly wrote to a lawyer for Parton stating, "I’m a killer," and separately 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." He also reportedly claimed to have made a $27 million arms and ammunition deal with Haiti.

Further allegations include Seaver threatening 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 fucking pay me."

Speaking to TMZ, Seaver defended his actions, stating, "I am a career soldier and military contractor and do conduct arms deals for foreign governments. I am a security professional and I am a killer." However, he denied that his comments constituted threats, asserting, "nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by."

Regarding his messages to Nozell, Seaver described them as "rage talk" between friends grieving, suggesting Nozell "fancies himself a gangster." Seaver also reportedly said he would "ratfck anyone that has ever betrayed my family," which he clarified to TMZ referred to specific business partners who had wronged Parton.

Seaver's security contract was terminated on September 15, with a leaked letter citing the need for "protection of the trust and beneficiaries as a whole." Seaver responded with a statement vowing to protect Parton's family and refusing to be intimidated by actions he believes are taken in bad faith.

The chancery court in Nashville is set to consider the restraining order filing. Dolly Parton's estate includes her song catalog and business ventures like Dollywood. She had no children, and her husband died in 2025; she is survived by siblings and other family members, including Seaver, who is the son of her sister Cassie.