By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Dolly Parton’s estate dispute has taken a legal turn after her longtime manager, Danny Nozell, sought a temporary restraining order against the singer’s nephew and former security chief, Bryan Seaver.

According to court documents reviewed by media outlets, Nozell filed the request through Parton’s company, She’s Alive, LLC. The filing alleges that Seaver made threatening statements toward Nozell while demanding money and referring to his experience as a military contractor, access to weapons and alleged capacity for violence.

Nozell reportedly told the court that Seaver’s behaviour became increasingly concerning in the weeks surrounding Parton’s death. He said he ultimately dismissed Seaver from his position on September 15.

The legal filing comes amid wider changes surrounding the management of Parton’s businesses and properties following her death on August 25 at the age of 80.

Parton’s nephew had worked closely with the singer for decades and was responsible for overseeing security at several of her properties. His security companies provided protection at locations including Parton’s Nashville home, museum and a warehouse.

In the documents, Nozell reportedly cited messages allegedly sent by Seaver that he considered threatening. One message referred to becoming a “hand of retribution” for his family, while another allegedly stated that people should be concerned about what he might do.

Seaver also allegedly discussed plans to launch a podcast aimed at damaging Parton’s business relationships and exposing what he described as wrongdoing by people connected to her.

Nozell is asking the court to order Seaver to stay at least 1,000 feet away from Parton’s office. He is also seeking an order preventing Seaver from contacting Parton’s businesses and affiliated organisations.

Seaver has disputed the interpretation of his messages. In comments reported by TMZ, he described himself as a career soldier, military contractor and security professional. He acknowledged making some of the statements but argued that they were taken out of context and were not intended as threats.

Seaver said his conversations with Nozell were private exchanges between people who had considered themselves friends. He characterised some of their communications as emotional conversations taking place while they were dealing with Parton’s death.

He also addressed a separate comment in which he allegedly threatened to target an organisation whose name was removed from the court documents. Seaver said the remark was directed at people he believed had treated Parton unfairly in business.

The dispute follows the termination of Seaver and his security companies from their roles protecting Parton’s properties.

According to reports, Seaver received a notice informing him that his companies would be replaced by another security provider. A new security team was subsequently deployed at the locations previously under his supervision.

People close to Seaver have reportedly questioned the decision and described themselves as disappointed by what they considered unexpected actions following Parton’s death.

His representatives have also alleged that the changes were made in bad faith and suggested that certain individuals were attempting to benefit financially from the singer’s estate and business interests. Those claims remain disputed.

Parton’s estate and business affairs have attracted considerable attention since her death. According to reports, the DP Dean Trust has been involved in overseeing aspects of her business interests and properties following her passing.

Seaver continues to have a personal interest in Parton’s trust, according to reports.

The longtime security chief had a particularly close connection to the singer and her family. His mother, Cassie, was one of Parton’s sisters, making Seaver her nephew.

Following Parton’s death, Seaver was the family member who publicly announced the news. In an emotional statement, he reflected on his decades-long relationship with the singer and recalled beginning to accompany her on the road when he was a child.

Seaver said his family had worked with Parton for generations and described her as someone who opened opportunities for her relatives and countless other people.

He also recalled that his father, Larry, previously held the security position before him. Seaver said he had served as Parton’s head of security for about two decades and had worked with her family for roughly four decades.

Parton’s death has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry. The country music icon was also honoured during the Primetime Emmy Awards, where performers and colleagues paid tribute to her legacy.

Meanwhile, Nashville International Airport is reportedly set to be renamed in Parton’s honour after the Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted on the proposal.

The latest restraining-order request adds another layer to the disputes surrounding the management of Parton’s affairs after her death. The allegations contained in the filing have not been established as facts in court, and Seaver has rejected the suggestion that his communications amounted to threats.