Ricky Schroder has sparked major backlash over his 'tone-deaf' tribute to Dolly Parton. The country music legend died aged 80 following a brief battle with cancer on August 25. Tributes poured in from around the world, with some of the globe's biggest stars, including Taylor Swift, Elton John, Beyoncé and US President Donald Trump remembering the lasting impact Dolly made throughout her extraordinary career.
Schroder's controversial tribute
American actor and filmmaker Schroder also took to social media to pay tribute, but his post did not sit well with many. "I didn't agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support … but Loved her anyway," he penned on Instagram alongside a photo of him and the late singer. "Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy."
The 56-year-old appeared to be referring to Dolly's long-standing advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community, as she used her platform to speak out against anti-trans legislation. The country music icon also played a significant role in the fight against COVID-19, donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped fund research that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Public criticism and context
The pair worked together in 2015, when Schroder played the fictionalised version of the singer's father in her TV movie, Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors. Schroder came under fire for the tribute, with many criticising his choice of words.
"Tone-deaf tribute. Dolly advocated for love and not judging anyone," one wrote as a second said: "Wow… you should have said nothing." Another agreed: "Imagine being the first (and probably only) person in the whole world to post something negative about Dolly. NOT COOL." A fourth fumed: "He could have left the 'I didn't agree with...' part out. There was no need for it." A fifth echoed: "Not really interested in you. Don't make it about you or politics. It's not a tribute but a statement about you. Why bother?"
Dolly Parton's death announcement
Dolly's death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional video on Instagram. Bryan shared: "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality." "I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now. It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly." He added: "Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus. Surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens."
