Actor Ricky Schroder is facing intense criticism after posting a tribute to late country music legend Dolly Parton that included references to political and cultural issues the two reportedly disagreed on.
Schroder, 56, shared a photo of himself with Parton shortly after news broke that she had died at age 80. In the caption, the actor wrote that while he disagreed with Parton’s support for “transgender” people and COVID-19 vaccines, he still loved her.
“I didn’t agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support… but Loved her anyway,” Schroder wrote before thanking Parton for choosing him to portray her father in two television films.
Schroder played Robert Lee Parton in “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” in 2015 and its 2016 sequel, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.”
The tribute quickly drew criticism from fans and celebrities who questioned why Schroder chose to highlight his disagreements with Parton immediately after her death.
Journalist Katie Couric responded to the post with “ick,” while singer Boy George wrote, “Oh shut up!”
Other social media users described the tribute as backhanded, insensitive and unnecessary, arguing that Schroder could have honored Parton without mentioning political disagreements.
Schroder later escalated the controversy by sharing footage of Parton discussing her support for COVID-19 vaccination.
“I warned Dolly to not support the Experiment. Wished she listened,” Schroder wrote alongside the clip.
The remark prompted another round of backlash, with critics accusing Schroder of appearing to connect Parton’s vaccine advocacy to her death despite no reported evidence supporting such a connection.
Parton’s representatives announced following her death that the legendary singer had died after a “brief battle with cancer.” The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
Parton had publicly supported COVID-19 vaccination and donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 to support research connected to development of the Moderna vaccine.
She was also a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community and repeatedly called for people to treat others with respect.
During a 2014 interview with Billboard, Parton spoke about her approach toward people with different lifestyles and beliefs, saying she tried to “love everybody.”
She later addressed controversy surrounding North Carolina’s “transgender” bathroom legislation in 2016, saying everyone deserved to be treated respectfully and should have the opportunity to be who they are, per the Daily Mail.
Parton’s death generated tributes from figures across entertainment and politics.
President Donald Trump praised the singer following her death and ordered American flags lowered nationwide in her honor.
Parton’s family is reportedly planning a private service in Nashville for relatives and close friends.
The Tennessee-born superstar became one of the most recognizable performers in American music during a career spanning more than six decades.
Her catalog included classics such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” while her charitable work, including the Imagination Library literacy program, expanded her influence far beyond country music.
Schroder had not publicly issued an apology for his controversial tribute as of the latest reports.
