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Dolly Partonhis nephew, Bryan Seaver says that celebrating his aunt’s life came with a painful exclusion for his family. The late country legend’s former security chief says he and his children were told not to attend CMA’s “I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” even as other relatives were invited.
His public outcry comes amid a legal dispute with Dolly’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, involving alleged threats, a disputed account of text messages, and a payment that Seaver says has since been resolved. But Seaver’s tribute post leaves one key detail unanswered: He didn’t name who allegedly asked his family to stay away.
Bryan Seaver says his kids were left out of the Dolly Parton tribute
Seaver addressed his absence in a Facebook post after Wednesday’s star-studded gathering, which featured performances from Reba McEntire and Ella Langley. He opened by praising the celebration before explaining why he wasn’t there.
“What a beautiful compliment. I was not invited. My daughter, Dolly was not writing songs, playing the guitar, lifting fingers at the hammer,” he wrote. “All the rest of my family was invited. A few attended. My children and I were told not to attend. That’s life.”
The message suggested that the exclusion extended beyond Seaver to his children. However, he did not name the person or group behind the alleged directive. His post also did not explain why they were told not to attend or whether it was connected to his legal dispute.
Dolly Parton’s former Head of Security was chosen to announce her death
Seaver’s absence stands out because he previously held a trusted role in Dolly’s professional and personal life. As her head of security, he worked closely with the singer. He was also the family member who announced her death in an Instagram video in August, explaining that Dolly had asked him to take on that responsibility years before.
“This video news is something that Dolly asked me years ago before I accepted it as a future reality,” Seaver said at the time, recalling his aunt as someone who had “lived in the light” and said she was “in the arms of Jesus.”
He also spoke of Dolly being reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean, her parents, and “countless others who looked at her and wanted to meet her in heaven.” Weeks later, Seaver’s relationship with members of Dolly’s business team became the subject of court records.
Restraining order following allegations of threats against Dolly’s manager
In September, a temporary restraining order was granted against Seaver after allegations related to Nozell, who managed Dolly for more than 20 years. Nozell sought the order through Dolly’s company, She’s Alive, LLC, alleging that Seaver demanded money and made threatening statements.
According to the report, Nozell accused Seaver of “invoking his own experience as an arms contractor, access to weapons, and potential for violence” during those requests. TMZ reported that Nozell told the court that he fired Seaver from his security job on September 15 because of the alleged threats.
The temporary order required Seaver and his company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, to stay 1,000 feet away from She’s Alive employees, attorneys and business associates. It also prohibited interference with the company’s business relations.
The order restrained Seaver and his company while the dispute was pending. The disputed allegations have not been proven.
Seaver says his texts were taken out of context
Seaver has pushed back against the account presented in the case. In a court filing reviewed by Page Six, he said the text messages at the heart of the dispute were taken out of context. He said part of the conflict involved an unpaid $251,000 payment to Extended Protection Services Squadron for security work at properties owned by Dolly.
According to Seaver’s filing, that payment has since been settled. He also raised concerns about the SongTeller Hotel in Nashville, citing problems that included safety violations, construction delays, and guards sleeping or using marijuana while on the job.
Seaver also said that Dolly had supported his efforts to pressure Herschend Family Entertainment, the operators of the hotel and Dollywood, about his concerns.
Dolly’s Letter of Support becomes part of Seaver’s defense
To support his account of her working relationship with Dolly, Seaver submitted a letter she wrote on November 11, 2024. Dolly described his security agency as “very professional, very careful, and very good at what they do.”
The letter provides insight into her assessment of the company at that time, although it does not resolve the later controversy over Seaver’s messages or Nozell’s allegations. Meanwhile, another member of the family attended the CMA celebration.
Dolly’s daughter Danielle Parton, who was recently named the estate’s brand ambassador, was in attendance and shared her appreciation afterward. “It was an honor to celebrate my aunt Granny, who has inspired generations with her music, kindness and giving spirit. Thank you, @cma, for a beautiful tribute.”
Seaver’s own message struck another note. While praising the obedience, he said his family was told to stay away, without revealing who gave that instruction or what explanation, if any, was given to them.
