Dispute over Dolly Parton's inheritance: manager and nephew in conflict

Just weeks after the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, a dispute broke out between her former manager and her nephew over her multi-million dollar inheritance. It was revealed on Wednesday that Parton's longtime manager Danny Nozell filed for a restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver, accusing him of an "escalating threat campaign" to extort money from the late singer's companies.

Seaver was responsible for his aunt's safety for years before he was suddenly fired last week, according to a report from TMZ. This happened “unexpectedly and so far without explanation,” he told the portal. He was disappointed about that.

According to the New York Times, his disappointment is said to have expressed itself in threats. The newspaper cites court documents filed Tuesday in Nashville that allege Seaver threatened in text messages that he would become a "hand of retribution for my entire family." The application was submitted by the organization “She's Alive”, headed by Nozell and which manages Parton's business.

If the court issues the injunction, Seaver would no longer be allowed to enter Parton's company property or have any contact with employees, according to the report.

Seaver, who describes himself as a defense contractor and international arms dealer, told the newspaper he is currently investigating how Parton's business was managed at the time of her death. He was supposed to be portrayed as “some kind of opposition” to his aunt’s brand and that wasn’t the case, he explained.

Parton died on August 25th at the age of 80. The “Queen of Country Music” became known with hits like “Jolene” and the ballad “I Will Always Love You,” which, in Whitney Houston's version, became one of the most successful hits of all time. Her estate, which is estimated to be worth several hundred million dollars, includes the Dollywood amusement park, which attracts around four million visitors every year.