Dolly Parton's nephew ordered by court to stay out of estate dealings amid extortion claims

A dispute has erupted at the estate of country music icon Dolly Parton, with her late nephew Bryan Seaver accused of making threatening comments. The conflict came to light after the singer's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, filed a request for a restraining order against Seaver. Nozell claims Seaver engaged in a "campaign of threats" to extort money from the company, which includes an amusement park, a hotel and an upcoming museum.

Seaver, who broke the news of Parton's death last month in an emotional video, was fired from his position last week. He criticized Nozell's decision, stating he was dismayed by the "unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions." According to court papers filed on Tuesday, Seaver's distress turned into threats, with one text message warning he would become "the hand of retribution for my entire family."

The restraining order was filed in Nashville, Parton's hometown, by She’s Alive, the organization run by Nozell that oversees her business empire. If granted, the order would prohibit Seaver from company properties and contact with staff and business partners. Seaver, who describes himself as a military contractor and international arms dealer, stated he was conducting his own investigation into how Parton's affairs were managed at the time of her death.

He rejected claims that he was opposing her brand or legacy, asserting his actions were unrelated. Parton's death at age 80 sparked worldwide mourning, with President Donald Trump and the British royal family among those who paid tribute to her.