Ricky Schroder is facing backlash for his controversial tribute to Dolly Parton following her death at age 80.
“I didn’t agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support … but Loved her anyway,” Schroder, 56, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, August 26, alongside a photo of him and the late country singer. “Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy.”
Schroder was seemingly referring to Parton’s advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community as she used her platform to oppose anti-trans legislation. Parton also played a major role in the fight against COVID-19. She made a $1 million donation to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center which helped fund research that led to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Parton and Schroeder crossed paths back in 2015 as he played the fictionalized version of Parton’s father in her TV movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. He reprised his role for the sequel, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, the following year.
Several social media users flocked to the comments section to slam Schroder’s post.
“Wow … you should have said nothing,” one user wrote while another responded, “Couldn’t just pay tribute to a beautiful person. Had to make it about yourself.”
Lioness star Jay Huguley also criticized Schroder’s remarks.
“‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord,” the actor, 60, replied.
Parton died on Tuesday following a “brief” and private battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” a spokesperson for the late singer said in a statement at the time. “Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
The statement continued, “Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Countless of Parton’s friends, colleagues, loved ones and fans paid their respects to the music icon, including fellow country singer Reba McEntire.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you,” the “I’m a Survivor” hitmaker, 71, wrote via Instagram. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
