Bryan Seaver is being sued for allegedly has threatening employees of the company She’s Alive LLC with violence
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Dolly Parton’s estate against her nephew, Bryan Seaver, alleging he threatened to destroy the country music icon’s legacy and repeatedly made violent threats toward her employees.
Parton employed her nephew and his company, SAPS, because she often looked for ways to support family members when she believed their skills fit her businesses’ needs, according to filings obtained by Los Angeles.
Seaver, who announced his aunt’s death on social media, served as Parton’s head of security for more than 20 years before being terminated following her death. The complaint alleges his termination was the result of “deliberate threats” made by Seaver, who has a military background and allegedly has access to weapons.
The complaint was filed Tuesday by She’s Alive LLC (SAL), a company created by Parton to protect her legacy following her death. The lawsuit claims Seaver became “emboldened” following her death Aug. 25 and threatened to use his newfound “celebrity” to destroy his aunt’s legacy.
SAL also filed for a temporary restraining order against Seaver, which was granted Sept. 22. Employees of SAL have reportedly been fearful of coming to their workplace, with some resigning from their positions.
“They have had a chilling effect on SAL’s personnel and business associates, who reasonably understand them as threats of real-world violence,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit alleges Seaver has referred to himself in writing as “a killer,” “international arms dealer” and “mercenary.” He also allegedly wrote, “All I do is warfare. Everyone needs to be worried about what I might do.”
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Credit: Courtesy of Davidson County Chancery Court
Credit: Courtesy of Davidson County Chancery Court
Credit: Courtesy of Davidson County Chancery Court
SAL called the alleged threats “calculated statements” intended to instill fear among the company’s employees and destroy his aunt’s reputation and brand partnerships.
“As the entity entrusted by Ms. Parton to protect and promote her life’s work for future generations, SAL must cultivate a safe work environment for employees, advisors, and partners, free from intimidation or hostility — particularly intimidation by an armed former security contractor,” one of the filings states. “Without relief, Defendants’ calculated campaign will continue to inflict fear, to destabilize SAL’s operations, and to cause further irreparable harm.”
Seaver and his team did not respond to Los Angeles’ request for comment but issued a statement to TMZ following the lawsuit’s filing. They said they were “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions” taken by SAL following the death of his aunt.
“We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family, and 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,” they told TMZ.