Dolly Parton’s estate drops lawsuit against nephew Bryan Seaver: ‘Grateful to put this misunderstanding behind him’

Dolly Parton’s estate has dropped its lawsuit against the country icon’s nephew and former head of security, Bryan Seaver, who announced the star’s death in August as per her request.

The estate, which is managed by She’s Alive LLC, filed a notice of voluntary dismissal of its lawsuit against Seaver in a Tennessee court on Thursday, according to multiple US outlets.

It was filed without prejudice, meaning the estate could choose to file the suit again if they wish.

The suit being dropped comes after weeks of back and forth between the She’s Alive LLC, operated by Parton’s long-time manager Danny Nozell, and Seaver in court.

She’s Alive made a number of accusations about Seaver in its case, including claiming Parton’s former head of security made threats relating to his military background.

They also alleged his behaviour lead to multiple employees resigning.

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Following the news that the suit has been dropped, Seaver’s lawyers released a statement to TMZ, writing he is ready to put the “misunderstanding” behind him.

“Mr. Seaver cares deeply about his Aunt Dolly, her music, her family, and the incredible legacy she left behind,” the statement reads.

“He has made a career out of protecting his aunt while she was alive and remains committed to Dolly and his entire family.

“Mr. Seaver 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 entirely untouched.”

He previously denied threatening anyone, but admitted to used “profane language” towards Nozell, which he alleges was taken out of context in the court proceeding.

Seaver was fired from his long-held position as the music legend’s head of security last month after allegedly threatening to “destroy” Parton’s legacy and making repeated violent threats toward staff.

“In writing, he vowed to ‘destroy the entire brand’ and also told her entertainment attorney: ‘I’m not an entertainment person. I’m a killer,’” one filing read.

The files claim Seaver’s alleged behaviour led to his dismissal, and he was served a temporary restraining order and a lawsuit by She’s Alive on September 23, almost a month to the day after Parton’s death in August.

He has denied all the allegations against him and called the legal action against him a “publicity stunt”.

“I was fired. After the estate negotiated with me and my company for services in perpetuity and agreed to that service provision from my company,” he said in a statement shared with US ABC News.

“A week later they fired me for these contrived ‘threats.’”

Bryan was the one who announced Parton’s death to the world, in a video posted to social media, which was a request made by Parton prior to her passing.

Nine.com.au is not suggesting any wrongdoing has occurred and has contacted Parton’s long-time manager, Danny Nozell, and Seaver for comment.  

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