Dolly Parton's estate is in turmoil after her longtime manager, Danny Nozell, filed for a restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver, accusing him of extortion, threats, and intimidation. The court papers reveal an escalating campaign to obtain money from the Parton estate following the singer's death. Seaver, who announced Ms. Parton's passing in a filmed video, was recently fired as head of security for her properties.

Text messages included in the filing show Seaver issuing profane threats and referring to himself as a "killer" in exchanges with a longtime Parton lawyer. He allegedly boasted of selling $27 million in arms to the Haitian police. Seaver defended his actions to TMZ, stating his team was fulfilling her final directive to protect her family.

The restraining order was filed in Davidson County Chancery Court in Nashville by She's Alive, the corporation overseeing Ms. Parton's business endeavors, which also filed a lawsuit for tortious interference. Seaver's security operation was described as a paramilitary-style force. The dispute comes as Parton's empire continues expanding with Dollywood, a new hotel, and museum.