An SNP MSP has admitted being duped by an AI-generated image showing people leaving floral tributes for Dolly Parton at a roundabout in Stepps. Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston, shared the photograph on social media, believing it showed real mourners at the Crowwood Roundabout, which locals affectionately call the 'Dolly Parton Roundabout' due to the large pair of pyramids protruding from its centre.
The country legend died on Tuesday, August 25, aged 80, following a "brief battle with cancer". She was admitted to a Nashville hospital on Friday, August 21, and passed away four days later at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Tributes poured in from around the world, including from stars such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Sir Paul McCartney.
MSP's social media post
Writing about the AI photograph on social media, MacGregor said: "Very sad to hear the news about Dolly Parton tonight. My thoughts with all her family and loved ones."
He added: "As folk locally will know there’s a famous junction in Stepps within my constituency fondly and affectionately called the ‘Dolly Parton’ roundabout. These were the scenes at it earlier tonight and I’m sure the tributes will continue to grow."
He also noted Dolly Parton's legacy in Scotland through the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which inspires children to read.
Constituents correct the record
Constituents quickly corrected the MSP, clarifying that the image, which was also posted in a nearby neighbourhood group, was created using AI. One wrote: "Just a respectful note that the image being shared here is AI-generated rather than a genuine photograph. Just so there’s no confusion for those seeing and sharing it."
Another commented: "Not a great look seeing our MSP falling for AI slop."
MacGregor later acknowledged the error, saying he had been sent the photo in "good faith" by a constituent. He urged residents to use the roundabout as a "tribute", adding: "I’ve been informed that the image below is indeed AI generated. I used it in my post in good faith after being sent it by a constituent in equally good faith."
Dolly Parton's final arrangements
Before her death, Dolly requested an intimate service for her closest loved ones, reportedly to take place in Nashville in the coming days. She will be buried beside her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away last year. Instead of flowers, the family requested donations to her Imagination Library, a charity gifting books to children in need.
Dolly's nephew Bryan Seaver, who was also her head of security for over two decades, confirmed her death in a video announcement. He said: "Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly," adding that she would be reunited in heaven with Carl Dean, her husband of 59 years who died in 2025.
Seaver also said: "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 to meet her in the heavens."
Just four days before her death, Parton addressed her health in an interview with People, saying: "I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to." She is best known for hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, the latter achieving monumental success when Whitney Houston released a version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. Parton's film career began in 1980 with 9 To 5 alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, and its theme tune became her first US Hot 100 number one single.
