It was supposed to be a heartfelt farewell to a beloved country music icon.
Instead, one tribute to Dolly Parton quickly became the subject of fierce backlash.
Tributes to Dolly Parton have poured in from around the world following her death. Politicians, celebrities, presidents, and everyday people have almost unanimously come together to honor “The Queen of Country”.
But amid the outpouring of love and heartfelt memories, one tribute stood out — and it has sparked quite a reaction.
Ricky Schroder, who portrayed Parton’s father in the television films Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, shared a photo of himself with the late singer following news of her death at 80.
But rather than simply remembering their time working together, Schroder used his message to point out where he disagreed with Parton.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.”
The post was met with an immediate wave of criticism, with many people arguing that Schroder could have honored Parton without bringing up issues on which they disagreed.
”Just when I thought there was no one lower than our current president, you just took the cake. How can anything say anything tacky about Dolly. One of the most loving people ever,” one person wrote.
“Why bring up what you didn’t like?” another person asked, while another penned: “Why even bring that up? Just honour her!”
A third commenter said: “Don’t make it about you or politics. It’s not a tribute but a statement about you. Why bother?”
Another added: “It was somewhat disrespectful to bring up your disagreements.”
The backlash wasn’t limited to fans.
Celeb’s reaction
Katie Couric reacted to the post on Threads with a simple: “Ick,” while Boy George wrote on Instagram: “Oh shut up.”
Actor Jay Huguley also questioned the wording, writing: “‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord.”
