Ricky Schroder is facing criticism after using his tribute to Dolly Parton to highlight their differences over transgender rights. The Ricky Schroder Slammed Over Distasteful Dolly Parton Tribute first appeared on The Blast

Ricky Schroder is facing criticism after using his tribute to Dolly Parton to highlight their differences over transgender rights and COVID-19 vaccines. The actor shared a photograph taken with the country music legend while remembering the two television movies they made together. However, his decision to bring politics into the tribute quickly overshadowed his message about Parton, with critics accusing him of using her death to promote his personal views.

Ricky Schroder Highlights Political Differences In Dolly Parton Tribute

Schroder shared his tribute on Instagram, posting a photograph taken with Parton years before her death. Rather than focusing exclusively on his memories of working with the singer, the actor emphasized that they did not agree on certain social and political issues.

“I didnt agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support…but Loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me, Dolly, to be your Movie Daddy,” Schroder wrote.

The post immediately generated criticism in the comments section. Many social media users questioned why Schroder felt it was necessary to mention their differences while paying tribute to Parton following her death at age 80.

“Just when I thought there was no one lower than our current president, you just took the cake,” one user wrote, refering to President Donald Trump and his outspoken views. “How can anyone say anything tacky about Dolly? One of the most loving people ever. Something you could use more of. You’re in my prayers Ricky.”

“Imagine being the first (and probably only) person in the whole world to post something negative about Dolly. NOT COOL,” another wrote. “Keep politics, advocating or any other issues off the table when speaking about people that just passed away. It’s called decency, honor and respect,” a third commented.

The Actor Played Dolly Parton’s Father

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ricky Schroder (@rickyschroder)

Schroder’s relationship with Parton was primarily professional. He portrayed her father, Lee Parton, in the 2015 NBC television movie “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.”

The movie was inspired by the singer’s childhood in rural Tennessee and the story behind her famous song of the same name. Schroder returned to the role in the 2016 sequel, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.”

Parton served as an executive producer on both movies and appeared as herself in the second installment.

• Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80.
• New York’s Empire State Building lit up pink to honor the late “9 to 5” singer.
• The country music star died just days after she spoke out about health concerns.
• She was also still mourning the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025.
• The two never had kids because she believed that motherhood was not the path intended for her.

Dolly Parton Avoided Taking Political Sides

Parton spent much of her career avoiding partisan political debates, even as her image and work connected with people across the political spectrum. The country legend’s flamboyant style was embraced by members of the LGBTQ community and frequently celebrated by drag performers. She also starred in the 1980 workplace comedy “9 to 5,” which became associated with women’s empowerment and workplace equality.

Despite that connection, Parton did not typically describe herself using political labels. She preferred to identify as a “woman in business.” The singer explained her approach during a 2020 interview with USA Today. “I don’t like to get involved in politics, because first of all, I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats,” Parton said. “I don’t want to offend anybody, I have a right to myself.”

Her decision to remain publicly neutral did not mean she avoided discussing personal responsibility or the importance of treating others carefully. “Like God gave us free will, America gave us free speech, but you’ve got to be responsible for anything you say and do,” she added.

Country Legend Helped Fund COVID-19 Vaccine Research

Schroder’s reference to Parton’s vaccine support appeared to concern her contribution to research that helped produce Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. The singer donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 to support coronavirus research. Parton later received the Moderna vaccine at Vanderbilt and encouraged others to do the same.

Her representatives highlighted that contribution while announcing her death, describing it as one example of her commitment to helping people. “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,” the statement read.

Parton’s support for medical research was part of a much broader philanthropic legacy that also included childhood literacy, disaster relief and healthcare.

Dolly Parton Died Following A ‘Brief Battle With Cancer’

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in an Instagram video on behalf of the Parton and Owens family. Representatives for the country icon later confirmed to PEOPLE that she had faced a “brief battle with cancer.” The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. 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 read.

Parton had been admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center on Friday, August 21, four days before her death. Before her hospitalization, she had reportedly been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues. Her representatives did not disclose whether those health problems were connected to her cancer diagnosis.

The Ricky Schroder Slammed Over Distasteful Dolly Parton Tribute first appeared on The Blast