Dolly Parton's Nephew Seeks More Time Ahead Of Hearing In Legal Battle With Late Legend's Estate

Dolly Parton 's nephew is requesting additional time before a hearing after the icon's estate filed a lawsuit and was granted a temporary restraining order against him.

Bryan Seaver, who announcing his aunt's passing in a message from the family on August 25, filed a motion for continuance on Friday (October 2) in Davidson County Chancery Court in Nashville, Tennessee. Seaver is asking a hearing currently set for Friday (October 9) be delayed 10 days, reportedly stating that the attorney he wants to represent him was unavailable to meet. The judge has not responded to Seaver's motion as of publication time.

She's Alive, LLC (SAL), an entity laid out by Parton to protect her legacy and operated by longtime manager Danny Nozell, filed the lawsuit against Seaver on September 22. The court also granted She's Alive a temporary restraining order against Seaver, preventing him from contacting employees and interfering with business operations. The suit alleges Seaver "began his campaign of threats, intimidation, and coercion a few weeks prior to Ms. Parton's passing."

Seaver, who was fired from his longtime role as Parton's head of security, previously told ABC News that "the restraining order is spurious and simply a publicity stunt. …I've never threatened anyone." Seaver also denied the claims against him to TMZ, the source to first report his termination.

Parton "died peacefully" on August 25, according to an official announcement issued at the time. She was 80. The late legend's representatives said in a statement to PEOPLE at he time, "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones." Parton was been laid to rest in a private service for immediate family beside her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean. Dean died in March 2025. He was 82.