US talk show host Bill Maher has sparked outrage after joking about Dolly Parton following her death from cancer this week at the age of 80, as her funeral took place on the same day as his show.
Maher referenced the Queen of Country's passing during his opening monologue on his Real Time programme on Friday. The comedian and political commentator appeared irritated that Dolly's death was receiving more coverage than the Iran conflict and trade rows between America and Canada.
Monologue mocks tributes
Alluding to tributes for the beloved singer, Maher told the audience, "All this was going on, and all America could really talk about this week was how sad it is we lost Dolly Parton. Everybody around the country, even around the world - London, they're doing things, the Santa Monica Ferris wheel is lit up with hearts, the Empire State Building was put up in pink."
He joked: "The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple."
Fans react with fury
Viewers quickly rushed to social media to share their fury, as one said: "That's because @billmaher has never made anyone FEEL a damned thing with his words, voice or personality. @DollyParton on the other hand."
Another added: "He [Maher] just didn't seem to get the fact that in a divided America, we can at least all agree that Dolly was a national treasure. And despite her humble origin, unlike him, she had class."
A third raged: "Mocking our grief over losing Dolly Parton is just more proof that Trumpism [Bill Maher] is a soulless ghoul who wants his own Maher-a-Lago," as a fourth fumed: "If I was a guest for that episode, I would have walked off."
Death and funeral details
It was announced on Tuesday that Dolly had passed away following a brief and secret battle with cancer. Announcing the heartbreaking news in an Instagram video, her nephew Bryan Seaver said: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
He continued: "Surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens."
It has been revealed Dolly's funeral has already taken place, as a dozen of the singer's relatives gathered at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville on Friday morning. The beloved star is to be laid to rest alongside her cherished husband Carl, as the first images of their poignant tomb were shared.
