Additional Coverage:
- Dolly Parton’s sister Frieda breaks silence on alleged family feud after restraining order issued (themirror.com)
Frieda Parton, sister of country music legend Dolly Parton, has become the first family member to publicly address the ongoing legal dispute between Dolly’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, and her estate manager, Danny Nozell.
On September 23, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order at the request of She’s Alive, the company overseeing Dolly Parton’s estate following her recent passing. This order bars Bryan Seaver and his security company from any involvement with the estate’s management and staff. The move comes amid allegations that Bryan made violent threats and aimed to damage his late aunt’s legacy and business operations.
Bryan, who served as Dolly’s head of security for nearly 20 years, was reportedly dismissed from his role shortly after her death. Before his removal, Bryan was personally entrusted by Dolly to announce her passing from cancer on social media on August 25.
Despite the escalating legal conflict, Frieda took to social media to dispel rumors of family discord. “There is no feud within our family.
No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly’s estate,” she stated. “We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other.”
Court documents reveal that She’s Alive terminated Bryan and his security company, citing “terrorizing conduct” that made their continued involvement impossible. The restraining order prohibits Bryan and his team from coming within 1,000 feet of She’s Alive employees, attorneys, or business partners. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 7.
According to reports, Bryan and his security personnel were immediately dismissed from all of Dolly’s properties, including her Nashville residence, museum, downtown home, and warehouse. Replacement security was installed starting September 16.
In response to his termination, Bryan expressed disappointment to TMZ, calling the decision “unexpected and, so far, unexplained.” He added, “We refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much.”
The legal battle intensified on September 22 when Danny Nozell filed the lawsuit seeking the restraining order against Bryan. The Parton family and their representatives continue to navigate the complexities of managing Dolly’s estate amidst these disputes.