Dolly Parton's sister, Frieda Parton, has publicly denied any family feud amid the legal battle between her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and the late singer's manager, Danny Nozell. Frieda's comments mark the first public statement from a family member since the dispute began.
Restraining Order Issued Against Bryan Seaver
On Wednesday, September 23, a federal judge granted a request from She's Alive, the firm managing Parton's estate, to enforce a temporary restraining order against Bryan. The order prevents Bryan and his security company from disrupting the estate management firm's operations and staff, following claims that Bryan had issued violent threats and pledged to harm his late aunt's reputation and £520 million business empire.
Bryan, who reportedly served as Parton's head of security for two decades, was allegedly dismissed from his position. According to the Associated Press, She's Alive sacked Bryan and his security operation, citing his "terrorising conduct made their continued retention untenable," as stated in court documents.
Family Denies Discord
In response to the unfolding legal drama, Frieda Parton took to social media to categorically reject any suggestion of family discord. "There is no feud within our family. No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly's estate," she stated. She added, "We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other."
Before his dismissal, Bryan was personally chosen by Parton to reveal her death on August 25 through social media. Legal papers also disclosed that Bryan and his security firm were banned from contacting or approaching within 1,000 feet of She's Alive staff, solicitors, or business associates. The next hearing is scheduled for October 7.
Dismissal and Response
On Monday, September 21, TMZ reported that, based on a dismissal letter it obtained, Bryan and his security firms were "immediately dismissed" from all of Parton's estates. Sources told TMZ that the notice was served on Wednesday, September 16, as replacement security took over responsibility for Parton's Nashville, Tennessee, home, museum, city centre residence, and storage facility.
In response, Bryan told TMZ they were "dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions" following Parton's death at 80. He and his team added, "We refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much."
On Tuesday, September 22, it was revealed that Danny had lodged a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order against Bryan.
