The legal battle over Dolly Parton’s estate just got a lot messier. Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew and former head of security, was fired in September, and now She’s Alive — the company Parton established before her August 25 death at 80 — claims he’s been avoiding attempts to serve him legal papers. According to the estate, deputies tried three separate times and found a no-trespassing sign and barbed wire at his home.
At the center of the dispute is an alleged August 21 email in which Seaver reportedly threatened the estate’s vendors in explicit terms. Seaver denies threatening anyone and has called the restraining order against him a publicity stunt, claiming his words were taken out of context. Meanwhile, he filed a motion on October 2 asking to delay his Friday, October 9 hearing because he says he can’t find a lawyer — a claim the estate disputes, arguing he already has representation lined up.
She’s Alive is asking the court to deny the delay and extend the temporary restraining order. However it plays out, this is a rare and uncomfortable look at a family divided over the legacy of one of music’s most beloved stars. What do you think — should the hearing go forward as scheduled, or does Seaver deserve more time?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.