Big row over Dolly Parton's estate and empire - sued after death

A huge row has erupted over Dolly Parton's estate and business empire less than a month after her death on August 25.

The management company She's Alive has gone to court with a request for a restraining order to be issued against Bryan Seaver, who for many years was Dolly Parton's security officer. Seaver is accused of an "offensive, deliberate and increasingly threatening campaign" against She's Alive to access money from Dolly Parton's estate, writes The New York Times.

The newspaper cites text messages between Seaver and one of Parton's former lawyers, which were filed with the court. In one message, Seaver described himself as an "assassin" and arms dealer with assignments for private military companies, which was interpreted as a threat.

According to the management company, Seaver started making threats already in the final stages of Dolly Parton's life.

If She's Alive goes through with her request, Seaver will not be allowed to contact the company's staff or come near their offices, nor contact other clients.

A lot of money is at stake. In addition to income from her successful music career, Dolly Parton created a business empire, the most famous of which is the amusement park Dollywood in the state of Tennessee. A museum about the artist with an associated hotel will also open on September 29 in Nashville.

The American equivalent of a Swedish estate after Dolly Parton has not yet been completed.