A Davidson County judge on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order in favor of Dolly Parton’s estate, known as “She’s Alive,” to keep the late singer’s nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security firm, Squadron Augmented Protection Services (SAPS), at least 1,000 feet from estate properties, staff and business partners.
Background and allegations
She’s Alive filed the request after accusing Seaver of a series of threatening messages over the past several weeks. The estate alleges that Seaver threatened violence, demanded payment, and referenced his “claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate.” Court documents describe the communications as “concerning” and note a specific threat to use force.
According to the filings, Seaver was hand‑picked by Dolly Parton to announce her death from cancer last month. The estate says his conduct became “terrorizing,” prompting She’s Alive to terminate his services and SAPS last week.
Details of the restraining order
The order requires Seaver and SAPS to refrain from entering any She’s Alive property, speaking with its employees, or coming within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of any estate staff or business partners. It also bars Seaver from interfering with the estate’s business relationships. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 7.
Content of the alleged threats
The court documents include excerpts from messages Seaver allegedly sent. One message dated Sept. 1 reads, “I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships and telling the violations these people have done on us. It’s going to be great. Or f—- pay me.” Another message reportedly called himself an “international arms dealer” and referenced his experience with private military contractors during the Iraq War.
These messages, according to She’s Alive, led to the departure of the estate’s trusts and estates attorney and prompted several employees to resign. The estate has also hired additional private security for its staff, including at their homes.
Responses
Seaver did not respond to an email request for comment from the Associated Press. Neither SAPS nor its representatives answered inquiries, and no one was present at their downtown Nashville office on Wednesday. A woman speaking through a doorbell camera at an address listed for Seaver in the semi‑rural Nashville suburb of Fairview declined to comment.
Kristin Mumford, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, said there are no reports against Seaver in the department’s system.
About Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton remains a beloved country‑music icon whose catalog includes classics such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her songs have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and amassed over 1 billion online streams.
The temporary restraining order underscores the estate’s effort to protect Parton’s legacy and business interests from what it characterizes as intimidation and harassment by a family member.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
