KEY POINT
- The estate alleges Seaver threatened to damage Parton’s brands and has attempted to avoid being formally served with the lawsuit.
- A Tennessee judge issued a temporary restraining order against Seaver and his company after finding a continuing disruption and threat to the estate.
- The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9 as the court considers the dispute involving Parton’s former head of security.
The legal battle involves Seaver, Parton’s nephew and former head of security, and She’s Alive LLC, the company managing the country singer’s estate. The estate is seeking legal protection from what it describes as threatening conduct and alleged attempts to interfere with its business interests.
According to the court filing described in the case, Seaver allegedly sent messages threatening to destroy Parton’s brands. One message attributed to him reportedly claimed that he was an “international arms dealer and mercenary” and described himself as someone experienced in weapons dealing, spying and security work.
The filing also cites an alleged statement in which Seaver claimed he had sold $27 million worth of ammunition and arms to Haitian police on the day Parton died. The statement has become part of the estate’s allegations as it argues that Seaver’s conduct represented a serious concern.
Seaver has denied the estate’s characterization of the messages and told ABC News that he cannot discuss the dispute freely because of the lawsuit.
He said the statements were made during an angry conversation between two people who were grieving. He has also described the allegations as contrived and disputed the claim that he threatened the estate.
The estate is now challenging Seaver’s request for additional time in the case. It argues that he should not receive an extension if he is deliberately avoiding service of the lawsuit.
The estate has claimed that Seaver is using a no-trespassing sign and barbed wire around his property to avoid being served. The court will ultimately determine how the service issue affects the proceedings.
A Tennessee judge has already granted a temporary restraining order against Seaver and his company. The judge characterized Seaver as presenting a “present and continuing disruption and threat” to the estate.
The case is separate from Parton’s broader cultural and business legacy, which includes Dollywood and the Imagination Library. The literacy charity provides books to children who might otherwise have limited access to reading materials.
The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9. The proceedings are expected to address the continuing legal dispute and the estate’s challenge to Seaver’s request for additional time.
