It was supposed to be a heartfelt farewell to a beloved country music icon.
Instead, one tribute to Dolly Parton quickly became the subject of fierce backlash.
Tributes to Dolly Parton have poured in from around the world following her death. Politicians, celebrities, presidents, and everyday people have almost unanimously come together to honor “The Queen of Country”.
But amid the outpouring of love and heartfelt memories, one tribute stood out — and it has sparked quite a reaction.
Ricky Schroder, who portrayed Parton’s father in the television films Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, shared a photo of himself with the late singer following news of her death at 80.
But rather than simply remembering their time working together, Schroder used his message to point out where he disagreed with Parton.
He wrote on Instagram: “I didnt [sic] agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support…but Loved her anyway.
“Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy.”
The post was met with an immediate wave of criticism, with many people arguing that Schroder could have honored Parton without bringing up issues on which they disagreed.
”Just when I thought there was no one lower than our current president, you just took the cake. How can anything say anything tacky about Dolly. One of the most loving people ever,” one person wrote.
“Why bring up what you didn’t like?” another person asked, while another penned: “Why even bring that up? Just honour her!”
A third commenter said: “Don’t make it about you or politics. It’s not a tribute but a statement about you. Why bother?”
Another added: “It was somewhat disrespectful to bring up your disagreements.”
The backlash wasn’t limited to fans.
Celeb’s reaction
Katie Couric reacted to the post on Threads with a simple: “Ick,” while Boy George wrote on Instagram: “Oh shut up.”
Actor Jay Huguley also questioned the wording, writing: “‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord.”
Schroder, 56, worked with Parton in the two TV movies, playing a fictionalized version of her father, Robert Lee Parton. He appeared alongside the country legend as her on-screen “Movie Daddy,” a role he clearly remembered fondly despite their differences.
Parton had spent decades building a reputation for helping others and supporting charitable causes. Her Imagination Library has provided free books to millions of children, while she also became known for supporting LGBTQ+ equality.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support research that helped fund development of the Moderna vaccine. She later received the Moderna vaccine herself and encouraged others to do the same, even rewriting the lyrics to her famous song Jolene for the occasion.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate,” she sang before adding: “I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it.”
Parton also supported LGBTQ+ causes throughout her career and explored LGBT+ themes through her music, including the song “Travelin’ Thru,” written for the 2005 film Transamerica.
Her longtime friend and 9 to 5 co-star Jane Fonda addressed Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans following her death, writing: “To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you.”
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