Ricky Schroder has doubled down on his controversial post following the death of the beloved Dolly Parton.
Country music icon Parton died after a ‘brief battle with cancer’ on August 25 at the age of 80.
Beautiful tributes have been sent in from fellow musicians, celebrities and millions of fans in the days since.
One message didn’t quite strike the right tone, though, and sparked a backlash on social media.
Schroder, an actor, worked alongside Parton in 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.
The 56-year-old said he ‘loved’ Parton and thanked her for letting him play her ‘Movie Daddy’ in the TV films, but then decided to criticise her for advocating for transgender rights and the Covid-19 vaccine.
Despite being slammed for the comment, Schroder has made another on his Instagram story.
Quoting an old video in which Parton urged people to get vaccinated against Covid-19, he wrote: “I warned Dolly to not support the experiment.
“Wished she listened,” signing off with a sad face emoji.
Parton donated $1 million (£716,000) to the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre during the pandemic to personally help to fund the Moderna vaccine, which she promoted once it was available.
In 2020, Parton encouraged people to get their vaccines and even reimagined her hit ‘Jolene’ in the video Schroder commented on.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate,” she sang. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, cause once you’re dead, that’s a bit too late.”
The Queen of Country even showed herself being injected as she said: “I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it.”
Schroder’s first message to Dolly Parton
Schroder has been slammed for his ‘tribute’ (Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)
As well as being a prolific musician – with a final song set to release in 2045 – and actor, Parton was famed for charity and advocacy work.
Her famed Imagination Library gifted millions of books to children in five countries and she long stood for LGBTQ+ equality.
Yet, Schroder made his issue with her work known after her death.
He shared an image on Instagram of the pair, 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.”
It wasn’t just fans who quickly criticised the post, with celebrity Katie Couric writing ‘Ick’ on Threads and Boy George writing: “Oh shut up.”
“‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord,” added actor Jay Huguley.
Common people were unhappy, too, with one saying: “Why bring up what you didn’t like?”
Many others agreed there was ‘no need to even post that’.
LADbible Group has approached Schroder for comment.
Celebrities who have paid tribute to Dolly Parton
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus was Dolly Parton’s goddaughter (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
Trump paid tribute to Parton (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 penned a lengthy statement (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
Beyoncé said Parton had a ‘profound impact’ (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 shared a note Parton had written him (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.”
