Tennessee judge dismisses Dolly Parton manager’s case seeking injunction over alleged threats

The Story

A Tennessee judge on Monday dismissed a case brought by Dolly Parton’s longtime manager that sought an injunction against her nephew and his security company, according to an order issued by Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles.

The manager, Danny Nozell, had asked for dismissal on Thursday after both sides came to an agreement, and the order finalizes the request “without prejudice,” meaning the case can be filed again.

Nozell, who runs She’s Alive, an entity founded to manage and protect Parton’s estate, had previously obtained a temporary restraining order against Bryan Seaver and his security company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, in September.

In the complaint seeking the temporary restraining order, Nozell alleged Seaver threatened violence and the destruction of Parton’s legacy and business empire, and Nozell asked the court to turn that temporary order into a permanent injunction.

The two sides were scheduled to publicly argue the claims on Tuesday, but the dismissal ended the matter before those proceedings.

In a statement provided by Seaver’s lawyers, Seaver said he “cares deeply about his Aunt Dolly, her music, her family, and the legacy she left behind,” adding that he remains committed to Parton and her family and is “grateful to put this misunderstanding behind him so that the entire family can continue to grieve peacefully and ensure that the bright light of Dolly's legacy remains completely untouched.”

The evidence provided does not specify why the complaint was withdrawn beyond indicating that the parties had reached an agreement.

Parton, who selected Seaver to announce her death, had been widely known for songs including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” and for building a business empire that includes operations based in her hometown and employs many friends and family.