Dolly Parton’s On-Screen Dad Shocks Fans With Bold Tribute—What Did He Say?
How do you even begin to say goodbye to someone who felt immortal? The world just lost Dolly Parton, the rhinestoned queen who somehow managed to make everyone — from scrappy underdogs to full-on superstars — feel like they were part of her inner circle. I mean, is there a universe where Dolly doesn’t exist? Honestly, it’s hard to picture. She gave us 9 to 5, she championed literacy, she didn’t flinch at controversy, and somehow, through it all, she sprinkled a little sparkle on even the darkest moments. Now, as tributes pour in from every corner of the internet — some sweet, some jaw-droppingly tone-deaf — we’re left picking up the pieces of glitter she scattered through the decades. If you’re ready to dive into the wild array of love (and, wow, a bit of drama) lighting up social media right now, just know: Dolly wouldn’t want us doing anything less than singing at the top of our lungs and maybe side-eyeing the drama with a wink. LEARN MORE
Tributes have poured in for the icon Dolly Parton following the news of her death yesterday (25 August).
The Queen of Country died after a ‘brief battle with cancer’ her management team said, as fans all over the world remember her legacy.
But a tribute from one of the stars of her work has been slammed as ‘insensitive’ among the flurry of social media posts.
Ricky Schroder worked with Parton on Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors in 2015 and its sequel Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the following year.
While he thanked her for having him play his ‘Movie Daddy’ in the TV films, he also made a point of making it clear he ‘didn’t agree’ with some of the star’s advocacy work.
An icon who supported and helped many communities. (Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Parton devoted many decades of her life to charity and helping others, of course including her Imagination Library that provides free books to millions of children across five countries.
She has also long stood for LGBTQ+ equality and amid the Covid-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million (£716,000) to the Vanderbilt university Medical Centre – helping to fund the Moderna vaccine.
But Schroder seems to have made a point of distancing from this while paying tribute to the star.
He shared an image on Instagram of the pair (which has been flagged for ‘AI content’) with the caption: “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 actor’s post yesterday evening was swiftly met by backlash as he was told he simply ‘should have said nothing’.
“Why bring up what you didn’t like?” a user asked, as many agreed there was ‘no need to even post that’.
“Why even bring that up?” another wrote. “Just honour her!”
Celebrities have also slammed the post, with Katie Couric simply writing ‘Ick’ on Threads as Boy George wrote: “Oh shut up.”
Schroder played a dramatised version of her dad. (Annette Brown/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
And actor Jay Huguley wrote: “’ I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord.”
While some Instagram users did agree with Schroder, others told him: “Don’t make it about you or politics. It’s not a tribute but a statement about you. Why bother?”
With another writing: “It was somewhat disrespectful to bring up your disagreements.”
In 2020, Parton encouraged people to get their vaccines and even reimagined her hit ‘Jolene’.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate,” she changed the lyrics to, even showing herself being injected as she said: “I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it.”
And her 9 to 5 co-star, Jane Fonda, wrote in a statement following her death: “To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you.”
The LADbible Group has contacted Schroder for comment.
Celebrities who have paid tribute to Dolly Parton
Miley Cyrus
They had a close bond. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Parton’s goddaughter wrote on Instagram: “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.
“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Donald Trump
(SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
The US president wrote on Truth Social: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
“This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
“In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Taylor Swift
Swift paid tribute to the star. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Parton had previously praised Swift as a ‘great inspiration’, and the billionaire songstress wrote a touching tribute for the country icon.
She wrote: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.
“She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.
“She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted.
“Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.
“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.
“Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”
Beyoncé
Parton features on the Cowboy Carter album. (ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)
The singer, who created her own version of ‘Jolene’ back in 2024, wrote: “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.
“I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.
“Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Eminem
Eminem called her an ‘icon’. (Scott Legato/Getty Images)
The ‘Real Slim Shady’ rapper shared a note from Parton congratulating him on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 2022.
Parton wrote in the note: “Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.
“I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.
“Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”
Eminem wrote: “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.
“Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.
“Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
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