Dolly Parton’s co-star Ricky Schroder sparked outrage among fans over his “disrespectful” tribute to the country legend, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80.
The 56-year-old actor has come under heavy criticism for a “nasty” Instagram memorial post in which he took a swipe at Parton’s politics just hours after news of her death broke.
The post included a photo of him with the Jolene singer, along with the caption: “I didn’t agree with her advocating for transgender and Covid vaccine support…but I loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me, Dolly, to be your movie dad.”
Schroder played Parton’s father, Robert Lee Patton, in the bio-TV films Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors (2015) and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016).
Fans in the comments called the move highly insensitive, as they criticized Schroder’s “transphobic and anti-vaccine” post.
Journalist Katie Couric simply wrote “ick,” while singer Boy George joked, “Oh shut up!”
The Daily Mail has reached out to Schroder for comment but has not yet heard back.
Dolly Parton’s co-star Ricky Schroder, 56, sparked outrage among fans for his “disrespectful” tribute to the country legend, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80; He is pictured in 2019
The actor has come under heavy criticism for a “nasty” Instagram memorial post, in which he took a swipe at Parton’s politics just hours after news of her death broke; Seen in 2015
“I didn’t agree with her advocating for supporting transgender and Covid vaccines… but I loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me, Dolly, to be your Movie Daddy,” he wrote in the tribute
Amid the backlash, Schroder also took to his Instagram Stories to post a clip of Parton sharing her support for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Below it he wrote: ‘I warned Dolly not to support the Experiment. I wished she would listen [sad face emoji].’
Fans under his Instagram post and on Threads lashed out in the comments, with one writing: ‘Ricky she just passed away. You could have honored her without using her death to remind everyone that you disapproved of her support of trans people and vaccines. What a self-centered tribute.’
“I loved her anyway,” what a strange tribute. Good Lord,” wrote Lioness star Jay Huguley.
“Oh ick. That’s just mean,” another fan added.
‘What a backhanded tribute. Bah.’
“Why bring up what you didn’t like?” someone else asked.
“Wow… you shouldn’t have said anything.”
“Imagine being the first (and probably only) person in the world to post something negative about Dolly. NOT COOL,” yet another fan wrote.
‘He could have left out the ‘I disagreed with…’ part. That wasn’t necessary.’
“You don’t even have to post that…”
‘Don’t make it about you or politics. It is not a tribute, but a statement about you. Why bother?’
“But what’s the point of bringing up things you guys didn’t agree with? Does it make you feel better?’ asked another fan.
Schroder also posted a video of Parton sharing her support for the COVID-19 vaccine, writing, “I warned Dolly not to support the experiment. I wished she would listen [sad face emoji]’
Fans in the comments called the move highly insensitive, as they criticized Schroder’s ‘transphobic and anti-vaccine’ post
“She lived her life like a light and didn’t talk about politics, yet you have to do it first in a post on the day she dies?”
Another fan called it a “tone-deaf tribute,” adding, “Dolly advocated love and didn’t judge anyone.”
‘What a tasteless post. Shame on you.’
‘Why do some celebrities make their ‘tribute’ to Dolly about them??? Do it better or don’t do it at all!!’
“Honestly man, please sit down and be quiet. Honor her or don’t. This is weird,” read another comment.
“Way to show disrespect, Schroder. You just had to make it about you, you couldn’t just express your condolences. You had to tell everyone what we already know. That you are an asset and have been an actor.’
Schroder seemingly took aim at Parton’s outspoken support for the LGBTQIA+ community, including her opposition to anti-trans legislation.
Parton, a devout Christian, spoke out in 2014 about her support for her gay fans Billboard interview.
Schroder played Parton’s father in the bio-TV films Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors (2015) and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016); In the photo 2016
Parton has been outspoken about her support for the transgender community and her advocacy for the COVID-19 vaccine; She is in the photo from 2004
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Should tributes to beloved stars ever include criticism of their beliefs, or is that always disrespectful?
“If people want to pass judgment, they are already sinning. The sin of judging is as bad as any other sin anyone else would commit. “I try to love everyone,” she said.
When the controversial anti-transgender “bathroom bill” sparked national outrage in 2016, Parton tackled the controversy with her trademark compassion.
“I believe everyone should be treated with respect,” she said CNNand added, “I hope everyone gets the chance to be who and what they are.”
The country icon also played a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19, donating $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help fund the research behind the Moderna vaccine.
The country legend’s death shocked the world and came after months of health problems that saw her withdraw from a series of public appearances, fueling fans’ fears for her well-being.
People close to the singer said she had become increasingly withdrawn and secretive about her own ill health in recent months.
And on Tuesday, Parton’s reps announced in a statement that she died after a “brief battle with cancer.” Peoplealthough they did not reveal what type of cancer it was.
The star’s death was first confirmed on Tuesday in an Instagram video posted by her cousin Bryan Seaver, who also acted as her head of security.
Parton died on Tuesday after a ‘brief battle with cancer’; She is pictured in 2006
The singer, often referred to as the Queen of Country, enjoyed an illustrious music career that spanned six decades; Pictured in 1977
She died Tuesday morning after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ.
Family insiders indicated that a private service for close friends and associates will be held in Nashville in the coming days.
Fellow stars paid tribute following the news, including Hillary Clinton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Khloe Kardashian and more.
President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Parton and ordered American flags nationwide be lowered for a week in her honor.
Often called the Queen of Country, Parton enjoyed an illustrious music career that spanned six decades. Her best-known hits are Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.
