Bryan Seaver, Dolly Parton's nephew, says an escalating legal battle over the management of the late country star's estate has become a painful public ordeal that has "taken a toll on his family.” In a statement sent to Newsweek on Monday through his attorneys, Dominic J. Collier, Seaver appeared to accuse Parton's longtime manager Danny Nozell of presenting a one-sided account of their dispute and argued that messages cited in court filings have been taken out of context. Newsweek contacted Nozell via email for comment on Monday.
The comments come as newly filed documents obtained by Newsweek show the estate continuing to rely on emails allegedly sent by Seaver as it pursues claims against him. The dispute centers on allegations that Seaver interfered with estate-related business relationships after Parton's death, claims he denies. A court hearing is scheduled for October 20 as both sides continue filing new evidence.
Seaver's attorneys issued a statement Monday describing the case as a private family matter that has become increasingly public. Seaver has always been a private person, but he was chosen by his aunt, with his family's approval, to make the announcement about Dolly's passing," the statement said. The attorneys added that Seaver "would have preferred to remain a private person as this ordeal has taken a toll on his family." According to the statement, the dispute appears to involve a disagreement between Seaver and Nozell, the sole manager of She's Alive LLC, the company established to oversee Parton's estate after her death.
The lawyers argued that media coverage and court filings have presented an incomplete account of the dispute, saying messages attributed to Seaver were misleading because they were taken out of context. While criticizing what they described as one-sided reporting, the statement said Seaver and his family remain committed to resolving the matter and preserving Parton's legacy. Newly filed court documents obtained by Newsweek include emails that the estate alleges were sent by Seaver during disputes involving a Nashville property linked to Parton's estate.
One August email allegedly criticized construction work, complained about delays and warned that attorneys could become involved if disagreements continued. Estate lawyers highlighted that communication because Seaver later requested additional time to obtain legal counsel. They argued the earlier reference to "my lawyers" undermined that position.
Court records show Seaver has since retained attorneys Leonardo and Collier, who formally entered appearances on behalf of Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services, or SAPS. Other messages cited in the filings allegedly expressed frustration over project management, security arrangements and contractor performance. The strongest language referenced by the estate included threats of possible legal action and suggestions that unfavorable information about the project could be made public.
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