Actor Ricky Schroder has intensified criticism of Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s death on August 25 at age 80 after what reports describe as a brief battle with cancer. While tributes poured in from musicians, celebrities, and millions of fans worldwide, Schroder’s social media posts sparked significant backlash for their tone and political commentary.
Schroder doubles down on controversial tribute
Schroder, 56, worked with Parton in the 2015 television film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and its 2016 sequel Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. In his initial Instagram post, shared alongside an image of the pair that was flagged for “AI content,” Schroder wrote:
“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.”
Despite immediate criticism, Schroder followed up with a second post on his Instagram story. Quoting a 2020 video in which Parton urged COVID-19 vaccination, he wrote:
“I warned Dolly to not support the experiment.
Wished she listened,”
signing off with a sad face emoji.
Parton’s vaccine advocacy and LGBTQ+ support
Parton donated $1 million (£716,000) to Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the pandemic to help fund the Moderna vaccine. She publicly promoted the vaccine once available, including a widely shared video where she reimagined her hit “Jolene”:
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate,” she sang. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, cause once you’re dead, that’s a bit too late.”
In the same video, Parton stated:
“I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it.”
Beyond public health advocacy, Parton was renowned for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has gifted millions of books to children across five countries, and she was a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ equality.
Swift and widespread backlash
Criticism came from across the entertainment industry and social media. Journalist Katie Couric responded with a single word on Threads:
‘Ick’
Musician Boy George wrote:
“Oh shut up.”
Actor Jay Huguley added:
‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord,
while numerous social media users questioned the necessity of Schroder’s comments. One commenter wrote:
“Why bring up what you didn’t like?”
Many others agreed there was “no need to even post that.” LADbible Group has approached Schroder for comment.
Celebrity tributes honor Parton’s legacy
Miley Cyrus
Parton’s goddaughter shared an emotional Instagram tribute:
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.
I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Donald Trump
The former president posted on Truth Social:
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Taylor Swift
Swift, whom Parton had previously praised as a “great inspiration,” penned a lengthy statement:
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.
She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.
She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted.
Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.
Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.
Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”
Beyoncé
The singer, who released her own version of “Jolene” in 2024, wrote:
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.
I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.
Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Eminem
The rapper shared a personal note Parton sent congratulating him on his 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction:
“Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.
I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.
Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”
Eminem responded:
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.
Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.
Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
