A Tennessee judge on Wednesday temporarily barred Bryan Seaver and members of his security firm from Dolly Parton’s estate property and within 1,000 feet of its employees and business partners. The estate alleges threats and payment demands; Seaver denies trying to extort it.
The estate’s filings cite hostile messages beginning shortly before Parton’s death, including a Sept. 1 message in which Seaver allegedly threatened to damage her brand partnerships unless he was paid. The judge’s findings noted his claimed access to weapons, experience with violence and intent to retaliate, and described his communications as concerning. A hearing is set for Oct. 7.
Court filings said the alleged intimidation prompted employee resignations, the departure of the estate’s lead attorney and private security for workers at home. Seaver told TMZ that the messages were not threats and were private exchanges during grief. A Parton sister said the family was not fighting over the estate and voiced support for Seaver. Nashville police said no reports against him were in their system Wednesday.
