Dolly Parton’s estate has withdrawn its lawsuit against her nephew and former head of security, Bryan Seaver.

She’s Alive, LLC, the company Parton established before her death on August 25 to oversee her business interests, filed a notice of voluntary dismissal against Seaver in Tennessee’s Chancery Court on Thursday, November 5. The dismissal was filed without prejudice.

The company, managed by Parton’s longtime manager Danny Nozell, had accused Seaver of making repeated threats that allegedly prompted several employees to resign. It also claimed he had attempted to damage his aunt’s legacy and business interests. Seaver repeatedly denied the allegations, maintaining that certain remarks attributed to him had been taken out of context.

Several court hearings had previously been postponed or rescheduled, with a motion hearing scheduled for November 13 before the estate filed its voluntary dismissal.

Seaver’s attorney also issued a statement addressing the dismissal, saying that his client was “grateful to put this misunderstanding behind him.”

“Mr. Seaver cares deeply about his Aunt Dolly, her music, her family, and the incredible legacy she left behind,” the statement read. “He has made a career out of protecting his aunt while she was alive and remains committed to Dolly and his entire family. Mr. Seaver is grateful to put this misunderstanding behind him so that the entire family can continue to grieve peacefully and ensure that the bright light of Dolly’s legacy remains entirely untouched.”

Seaver was also the person who informed the public of Parton’s death, sharing the news in a video posted to her Instagram account. At the time, he revealed that making the announcement fulfilled a request she had made to him years earlier.

“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he added. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”

Dolly Parton’s Younger Sister Also Addresses the Family Dispute

On October 26, Seaver posted a message on his Facebook page written by his mother, Cassie, who is also Dolly Parton’s younger sister. In the lengthy statement, she reflected on the family’s grief following Dolly’s death and spoke about the close relationship between her son and the late singer.

“Our family has experienced a heartbreaking and devastating loss with the passing of our beloved sister, Dolly. The sorrow of losing someone so precious to our family is something that words simply cannot express. We are all still grieving, each in our own way, while trying to find the strength, peace, and understanding to move forward,” she began. “I have always believed that grief affects everyone differently. Some of us withdraw into the quietness of our own hearts, while others express their pain in ways that may be difficult for those around them to understand. There is no single way to grieve, and sometimes the deepest sorrow brings emotions that are difficult to contain.For me, grief has always been something deeply personal. I tend to retreat into the comfort of my faith, my family, and the privacy of my own heart.”

Cassie then addressed the public attention surrounding her son, explaining that she had been encouraged to make a statement but wanted to speak from the perspective of a mother rather than get involved in the ongoing disagreements.

“In recent weeks, I have been asked to make a public statement concerning my son, Bryan Seaver. While I have struggled with the thought of speaking publicly during such a painful and personal time, I feel it is important that I share what is in my heart—not to address disagreements or disputes, but simply to speak as a mother who dearly loves her son,” Cassie continued. ” Bryan is my son. I love him deeply, and nothing that happens in this world will ever change the love that I have for him.

She also recalled the special connection Bryan shared with Dolly, who was not only his aunt but also his godmother, and emphasised how deeply he cared for her throughout the years.

“Throughout his adult life, Bryan shared a very special and meaningful relationship with my sister Dolly. She was not only his aunt, but also his godmother. Their bond was deeply personal, and I know how much she meant to him. I have witnessed his devotion to her and the love and concern he has shown for those closest to him throughout the years. I know that Bryan is experiencing tremendous heartache, just as so many of us are. As his mother, it pains me deeply to see him hurting. No mother wants to see her child struggling with sorrow, disappointment, or circumstances that bring pain into his life. I want Bryan to know, and I want others to understand, that my love for my son is unconditional. I will always care about his well-being, pray for his peace, and hope for his happiness, healing, and future. At the same time, I recognize that we are living through circumstances involving deeply personal matters, differing perspectives, and issues that deserve to be addressed thoughtfully, respectfully, and through the appropriate channels.

Source: Various