From the songs that made her a country music legend to the Tennessee theme park Dollywood, Dolly Parton spent decades building a business empire that extended far beyond music. The singer died on August 25 at the age of 80, leaving behind a collection of businesses spanning music publishing, theme parks, hotels and products sold under her name. Now, the task of managing those interests falls to a combination of longtime associates, trustees and corporate partners, including her former manager, Danny Nozell.
The arrangements have drawn renewed attention after She's Alive LLC, a company headed by Nozell, filed a motion on November 5 to dismiss a lawsuit against Parton's nephew and former head of security, Bryan Seaver. The company sought dismissal without prejudice, meaning the claims could potentially be brought again. The filing followed an agreement between the parties, although its terms were not disclosed.
Nozell, who represented Parton through CTK Management, was chosen by the singer to manage She's Alive LLC. Parton established the D.P. Dean Trust in 1997 to make arrangements for her property following her death.
Under the trust structure described in court filings, her professional property and business interests were to pass into a separate arrangement called the Dolly Parton Professional Property Trust. She's Alive was established to advise the professional property trust, with Nozell serving as its sole manager. The arrangement gives him a role in managing Parton's professional legacy, although it does not establish that he personally owns her businesses.
Nozell was also involved in developing projects that Parton approved during her lifetime. Following her death, her management team announced that several ventures would continue, including music, entertainment and consumer products. Dollywood, Parton's theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, continues to operate through its longstanding partnership with Herschend, the entertainment company involved in developing the attraction.
The park opened under the Dollywood name in 1986 and has since expanded into a resort business that includes Dollywood's Splash Country water park, DreamMore Resort and Spa and HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Eugene Naughton is president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, overseeing its operations. Following Parton's death, the company announced plans to celebrate her life and continue developing the attractions in accordance with the vision she had discussed with executives.
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