Bryan Seaver, the nephew of the late country music performer Dolly Parton, filed a motion in a Tennessee court on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, seeking a delay of about 10 days for a scheduled legal hearing. The hearing concerns a temporary restraining order granted to Parton’s estate against Seaver and his security firm, Squadron Augmented Protection Services (SAPS). Seaver, who is currently representing himself, stated in the filing that he requires additional time to secure legal counsel.
The legal dispute emerged publicly following the death of Dolly Parton on Aug. 25, 2026. Seaver, who was selected by Parton to announce her death to the public, was later terminated from his role by She’s Alive, the entity managing Parton's estate. The estate, led by Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell, filed a petition alleging that Seaver made threats of violence and expressed an intent to damage Parton’s business interests and legacy.
In granting the initial temporary restraining order, Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles cited allegations of repeated threats, demands for payment, and Seaver’s purported access to weapons and experience with violence. The estate alleged that Seaver began sending threatening messages shortly before Parton’s death, leading to the termination of his and SAPS’s services. Seaver’s motion for a delay noted that the attorney he wants to represent him cannot meet with him until Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, and stated he would not object to the restraining order remaining in effect until a new date is set.
The estate, She’s Alive, manages the business affairs of Dolly Parton, whose music earned more than 100 million in worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams. As of Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, the court had not yet ruled on the request for a delay. If the motion is denied, the hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2026.