Allie Colleen, daughter of country music star Garth Brooks, is facing criticism for a social media tribute to the late Dolly Parton. Following the announcement of Parton's death at age 80 on Tuesday, Colleen, 30, shared a post that many found self-centered and inappropriate.
Colleen, who is also a country singer, posted a text graphic on Instagram that began by stating her "greatest fear in life" is the day her father dies, expressing concern about how the world would mourn someone they only knew publicly. She then addressed Parton's "personal family and friends," offering condolences and thanking them for sharing her with the world. Colleen described Parton's life as "huge, beautiful, special" and stated that "to grieve is to know you loved deeply and fully."
However, many Instagram users interpreted the post as shifting the focus from Parton to Colleen herself. Commenters called the tribute "gross," "odd," and "narcissistic," with some suggesting that Colleen was making a family member's loss about her own feelings and experiences. One user wrote, "This is about Dolly, not how you will feel when the time comes."
Colleen, one of Brooks' three daughters with his first wife Sandy Mahl, responded to some of the criticism. In a reply to a user who suggested Brooks fans would understand her pain if he died, she stated, "I don’t think you will.. I would never relate to you losing your father – I don’t know how you would relate to mine. Kind of exactly what I am talking about." She also defended her post by saying it was her account and she was acknowledging her industry experiences, not telling others how to grieve.
Dolly Parton, known for hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5," had a music career spanning seven decades. Her death on Tuesday prompted widespread mourning and tributes from across the entertainment world.