Actor Ricky Schroder faced widespread criticism for a social media tribute to the late country music star Dolly Parton that included remarks about her political stances.
Parton, who died at age 80, was remembered by Schroder, her co-star in the television movies "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" and "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love," with an Instagram post that fans and public figures deemed insensitive.
Schroder's post featured a photograph of himself with Parton and a caption that read, "I didnt agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support…but Loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy." This statement was made hours after news of Parton's death.
The actor further drew ire by sharing a clip of Parton discussing her support for the COVID-19 vaccine, adding, "I warned Dolly to not support the Experiment. Wished she listened." Fans reacted strongly in the comments of his posts and on other platforms, calling the tribute "foul," "tacky," and "tone deaf."
Many users expressed that Schroder's remarks were self-centered and inappropriate, particularly given the timing. One commenter wrote, "Ricky, she just died. You could have honored her without using her death to remind everyone that you disapproved of her supporting trans people and vaccines. What a s****y, self-centered tribute."
Schroder's comments appeared to reference Parton's outspoken support for the LGBTQIA+ community and her advocacy for COVID-19 vaccination. Parton had previously stated in a 2014 Billboard interview, "If people want to pass judgment, they're already sinning. The sin of judging is just as bad as any other sin they might say somebody else is committing. I try to love everybody."
Regarding transgender rights, Parton commented on North Carolina's controversial "bathroom bill" in 2016, telling CNN, "I think everybody should be treated with respect. I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are."
Parton's contributions to combating COVID-19 included a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped fund research for the Moderna vaccine.
Parton's representatives announced her death was due to a "brief battle with cancer." Her passing led to numerous tributes from fellow artists, politicians, and public figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Donald Trump, who ordered flags to be lowered nationwide in her honor.