Dolly Parton‘s nephew wants more time to secure a lawyer to defend himself against a temporary restraining order granted by her estate against him and his security company. Last week Friday (Oct. 2), while representing himself, Bryan Seaver filed a motion in a Tennessee court seeking to delay the hearing on the order. He was supposed to be in court today (Oct. 9), but sought to have it pushed back by about 10 days. According to a new update, the judge granted his motion.
RELATED: Dolly Parton Estate Files Restraining Order Against Her Nephew Over Alleged Threats Of Violence & Destroying Aunt’s Legacy
Why Is There A Lawsuit Against Dolly Parton’s Nephew?
The serious rift in Dolly Parton’s circle opened and spilled into public view weeks after her Aug. 25 death. She’s Alive, the entity founded to manage and protect her estate, accused Bryan Seaver in a court petition of threatening to commit violence and destroy Parton’s legacy and business empire. She’s Alive is run by Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell.
The petition names Seaver and his company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services. Before her death, Dolly handpicked Bryan to announce her death from cancer. She was 80.
In the petition and other court documents filed by She’s Alive, Seaver is accused of sending increasingly threatening messages starting just before Parton’s death. She’s Alive terminated Seaver and SAPS in the week before the petition, saying his “terrorizing conduct made their continued retention untenable.”
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Bryan Seaver Sought A Court Delay
Seaver’s new motion from last week says “the defendants lack any legal knowledge or skills to proceed in this matter without retained counsel or what, if any, challenges can or should be raised.” It says the delay is necessary because the lawyer he wants to represent him cannot meet with him until Monday (Oct. 5). Also, he said he wouldn’t object to an extension on the restraining order until a new hearing date.
Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles, the judge overseeing the case, did not immediately reply to Bryan Seaver’s motion. In granting the restraining order, she said the court took into account the repeated threats cited in the complaint, as well as the alleged demands for payment. Also, Seaver’s “claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate” was considered.
Judge Grants Motion For More Time
Ultimately, Judge Myles granted Bryan’s motion on Tuesday (Oct. 6), one day after he was supposed to meet with his prospective lawyer, per PEOPLE. The hearing is now on the books for October 20. She’s Alive attempted to stop the delay, filing court documents on Monday (Oct. 5) claiming Dolly Parton’s nephew has been trying to “evade service of process” and the “court should not reward this behavior.” The new filing said there were three attempts to serve Seaver with his summons that failed. Additionally, the estate submitted evidence, including an email from Bryan in which he previously claimed his lawyers would pursue action against She’s Alive and others. Still, the judge gave Bryan an extra 10 business days.
RELATED: Oh, Aunt Dolly! Miley Cyrus Pays Tribute To Godmother Dolly Parton With Touching Message Following Her Death
Associated Press contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
