One month after Dolly Parton's death in August, a bitter dispute has erupted within her estate between her longtime security chief Bryan Seaver and her longtime manager Danny Nozell. A restraining order was filed against Seaver on 22 September, alleging a campaign of threats designed to extract money from the Parton empire. The conflict threatens to disrupt management of Parton's vast business interests and her relationships with major brand partners.

According to court documents filed by She's Alive, LLC (the corporation overseeing Parton's business ventures), Seaver's security operation is described as "a heavily armed, paramilitary-style force" rather than a conventional arrangement. Seaver runs multiple security companies, including Squadron Augmented Protection Services (SAPS), and serves as a colonel in the Tennessee Rangers. The alleged threats began before Parton's death on 25 August, including a 19 August message threatening to sabotage Dollywood's partnership with a business associate and allegations of intimidation at a Parton-themed hotel and museum in Nashville.