Dolly Parton's manager drops case against nephew

Dolly Parton’s longtime manager has dropped a lawsuit against her nephew, Bryan Seaver. This lawsuit was about claims of threats and attempted extortion linked to the singer’s estate.

The lawsuit was filed in September by Parton’s manager, Danny Nozell. He accused Seaver of trying to extort money from the estate, which includes an amusement park, a hotel, and a museum.

On Thursday, Nozell decided to dismiss the complaint against Seaver and his security company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, in a Tennessee court.

The filing did not explain why the lawsuit was withdrawn. But it said the case could be filed again if needed.

This news came after both sides reportedly reached an agreement, although the details were not shared.

Parton’s estate had secured a temporary restraining order against Seaver and his security company in September. They accused him of threatening the singer’s business associates and employees.

Seaver, who had provided security for his aunt for many years, was said to have sent threatening messages. One message warned that he would become "the hand of retribution for my entire family."

These claims were mentioned in court documents that US media, including The New York Times, reported on.

A judge later granted a temporary restraining order. This order stopped Seaver from coming near the estate’s properties and interfering with its business.

But Seaver denied making threats. He claimed that his private messages were taken out of context.

He also said that his issue with the estate was about an unpaid bill of about $251,000 for the security services he had provided.

According to ABC News, “Seaver and his security company filed an 18-page response on Monday denying the allegations, three days before the estate moved to withdraw the lawsuit.”

The lawsuit was dropped before a hearing on Tuesday was set to discuss extending the restraining order.

Parton, who passed away on August 25 at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, built a big entertainment and business empire.

Her business interests include Dollywood, a popular theme park in Tennessee, along with a hotel and museum in Nashville.

Seaver, the son of Parton’s sister Cassie, had been her head of security for over twenty years before his firing in September.