Judge dismisses case from Dolly Parton's manager alleging her nephew threatened her estate

A Tennessee judge dismissed a case on Monday filed by Dolly Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, alleging her nephew and head of security had threatened her estate and its employees. The case was dismissed after Nozell and Bryan Seaver, his nephew, reached an agreement. The judge's order, made by Chancellor I Ashea L. Myles, remains without prejudice, meaning Nozell can file the case again.

Nozell, who manages and protects Parton's estate, had previously obtained a temporary restraining order against Seaver and his security company in September, claiming Seaver threatened violence and destruction of Parton's legacy and business empire. Nozell wanted to turn the order into a permanent injunction. Seaver's lawyers stated that he deeply cares about his aunt and her music, family, and legacy.

He is committed to Dolly and his family, and considers Nozell a close friend. Seaver was handpicked by Parton to announce her death and released a statement expressing gratitude for putting the misunderstanding behind him. The dismissal ends a serious rift in Parton's inner circle that began while she was sick with cancer and continued after her August 25 death.