SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor was misled by an AI-generated image showing people leaving flowers for Dolly Parton at a roundabout in Stepps, which he shared on social media believing it was real.
The country music legend died on Tuesday, August 25, aged 80, after 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 Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Sir Paul McCartney.
AI image fools MSP
The image, which appeared to show people standing across the lanes of Crowwood Roundabout in Stepps leaving flowers, was shared by MacGregor, the MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston. The roundabout is nicknamed the 'Dolly Parton Roundabout' by locals due to the large pair of pyramids protruding from its centre.
Writing about the photo on social media, MacGregor said: "Very sad to hear the news about Dolly Parton tonight. My thoughts with all her family and loved ones.
"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 added: "Of course Dolly Parton leaves a massive legacy in music but also in Scotland and other places by inspiring children to read through the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."
Constituents correct the record
Constituents quickly pointed out that the image, 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 said: "Not a great look seeing our MSP falling for AI slop."
MacGregor acknowledged the error, noting he had been sent the photo in "good faith" and urging residents to use the roundabout as a "tribute". He said: "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.
"The rest of my original post still holds true so folks let us use this chance to celebrate the life work and legacy of Dolly by making sure the ‘Dolly Parton Roundabout’ in Stepps is indeed a tribute to this great lady."
Tributes and legacy
Before her death, Parton requested a small, private service for immediate family, to be held in Nashville in the coming days, where she will be buried beside her late husband, Carl Dean, who died last year. Instead of flowers, her family requested donations to her Imagination Library, a charity gifting books to children in need.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who was head of security for the star 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 with Carl, her parents, and countless others in heaven.
Parton is remembered for hits including "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You", the latter becoming a monumental success when Whitney Houston released a version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. Her film career began in 1980 with 9 To 5 alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, and its theme tune became her first number one single on the US Hot 100 chart.
