Ricky Schroder Posted a Tribute to Dolly Parton — His Words Drew Strong Reactions

The passing of Dolly Parton has unleashed an overwhelming outpouring of affection from those who had the privilege of knowing her, collaborating with her, or growing up admiring her work. However, one celebrity’s homage took an unanticipated direction, inciting immediate responses.

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, surrounded by her loved ones. Her representatives shared that throughout her career, she has consistently infused joy, laughter, hope, and integrity into everything she engaged with.

Her team highlighted achievements such as the Imagination Library, which has provided free books to children for thirty years, and her involvement in funding research that accelerated the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. These accomplishments were prominently featured in the tributes that emerged.

Actor Ricky Schroder, who shared a unique bond with the iconic country artist, was among those paying tribute to her.

Long-Standing Connection in Hollywood

Schroder collaborated with Parton in the 2015 television film ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,’ where he portrayed her father.

The movie, which was inspired by Parton’s childhood and her life in rural Tennessee, united the actors in a narrative deeply intertwined with her own experiences. According to IMDb, it is a heartfelt adaptation of the singer’s extraordinary upbringing.

This shared history made Schroder’s tribute particularly significant. On August 26, he took to Instagram to honor Parton, beginning with a note reflecting on the opportunity she had given him.

Many people reacted strongly to his tribute, feeling that it was inappropriate to highlight political disagreements in a memorial post for someone who had just passed away.

One commenter questioned his choice of words, stating, ‘I loved her anyway’ was an odd way to honor her. Another was even more direct, saying, ‘Wow… you probably should have remained silent.’

A third commenter pondered why Schroder felt it necessary to include his disagreements in his remembrance: ‘Imagine being the first (and likely only) person to post something negative about Dolly. NOT COOL.’

Despite the backlash, some defended Schroder’s sentiments, asserting that Parton would have appreciated friends with differing viewpoints. One response noted, ‘Loved that movie, Ricky! She would be fine with you holding different opinions than hers. RIP Beautiful Dolly!’

Another similar response countered the criticism, stating, ‘I believe she was all about inclusion! She never judged anyone! She will be profoundly missed!’

Nevertheless, many commenters were still uneasy with the political references. One urged Schroder to ‘please just sit down and be quiet. Honor her or don’t. This is odd.’ Another simply said, ‘There was no need to post that…’

A further response labeled the tribute ‘tone-deaf,’ adding, ‘Dolly stood for love and acceptance, not judgment.’ Another individual directly tied the controversy to Parton’s message of inclusivity, remarking, ‘What a letdown. Dolly is in a better place where love prevails. Understanding that message will make the world a better place.’

Reflections on Parton’s Legacy

The reactions to Schroder’s post were particularly poignant given Parton’s lifelong advocacy for acceptance and her embrace of diversity.

In a conversation with Interview magazine in 1984, Parton openly acknowledged her significant gay following, saying, ‘I have a huge gay following and some very macho women,’ and elaborated on her philosophy:

‘To me, people are just people… Many of my friends are gay, both male and female. I don’t judge others. I don’t care what people do in their private lives, and they shouldn’t care about mine.’

Parton’s connection to her LGBTQ+ supporters was evident beyond a single interview.

She recorded the affirming song ‘Family’ for her 1991 album ‘Eagle When She Flies,’ adding a melodic expression of acceptance to her career that consistently highlighted the importance of treating others with kindness.

This context elucidates why some viewed Schroder’s comments as particularly incongruous.

Diverse Tributes to Dolly Parton

Brandi Carlile offered a contrasting perspective on Parton’s impact in her own tribute, sharing that Parton ‘had a remarkable ability to feel like she belonged to each of us, yet remained otherworldly.’ She added, ‘I loved Dolly with all my heart.’

Carlile recalled her admiration for Parton even before they met, citing the singer’s courage in embracing her and others within the LGBTQ+ community during a time when such support was not common.

She highlighted how Parton consistently chose to focus on compassion rather than getting embroiled in controversies. Carlile noted that throughout the years, Parton could have addressed ‘MANY things,’ but instead opted to discuss matters that brought ‘love and mercy to real people.’ She remembered Parton as ‘incredibly generous, astute,’ calling her ‘a true rockstar, a preacher, and the quickest comedian I’ve ever met.’

While Schroder’s tribute ignited debate, it was just one aspect of the extensive expressions of grief that followed Parton’s passing. Across entertainment, country music, politics, and beyond, numerous celebrities found unique ways to pay tribute, with some standing out for various reasons.

As previously shared, in the hours after her passing, messages of condolence flooded in from politicians, pop stars, and fellow country artists, each attempting to encapsulate what Parton meant to them.

Yet among the multitude of posts, two particular celebrity tributes captured widespread attention for entirely different reasons. One was celebrated as the ultimate farewell, while the other left fans shocked and offended.

Condolences from Leaders Worldwide

Former President Barack Obama paid tribute on Instagram, noting Parton’s humble beginnings in a one-room cabin, her achievement of 11 Grammys and an Emmy, her influence on countless children’s literacy, and her role in advancing vaccine research. He conveyed that both he and Michelle were thinking of her family and her many supporters.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised Parton’s legacy, referring to the East Tennessee native as a genuine American icon. She highlighted the distribution of over 300 million books through the Imagination Library as a standout achievement, alongside her 11 Grammys, an Emmy, and an honorary Oscar.

Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura released a joint statement expressing their sorrow, praising Parton’s music and style, and specifically acknowledging her contributions to literacy, health advancement, and community building, calling her ‘a talented and dedicated American who will be missed.’

Country Music Mourns a Legend

Reba McEntire shared that she had just learned of her ‘buddy’s’ passing ‘onto the higher and greater side,’ reminiscing about their first encounter and final conversation.

She expressed gratitude for all that Parton shared from her ‘huge heart,’ believing that Parton is now in heaven singing alongside family and friends who had passed before her.

Tim McGraw regarded Parton as the benchmark for every entertainer that followed her, stating, ‘head and shoulders above anyone that came before her.’ He noted that her every action exuded kindness, grace, and her trademark wit and smile, admitting that it had been a struggle to keep the tears at bay all day.

Trisha Yearwood found it hard to articulate what Parton represented to the world, saying it was now the fans’ responsibility to keep her spirit alive by embodying ‘WWDD’ — What Would Dolly Do — emphasizing that Parton ‘walked the walk’ and would be sorely missed.

Wynona Judd described Parton as family, recalling how she supported her personally after the death of Judd’s mother. She expressed that Parton’s impact on music and culture surpassed what anyone could hope to achieve, concluding with ‘from one mountain woman to another.’

Blake Shelton conveyed how personal the loss felt after spending quality time with Parton while collaborating with her and Gwen Stefani on ‘The Voice.’ He characterized her as the ideal person fans imagined — ‘the most fun, loving, and caring member of your family.’

Kimberly Williams Paisley recalled first meeting Parton while recording ‘When I Get Where I’m Going’ with her husband, Brad Paisley, and described Parton’s voice as ‘piercing my soul.’

She also recounted shooting a scene for Netflix’s ‘Heartstrings’ series in windy, rainy weather, joking that when Parton arrived, the storm seemed to halt around her, with not a single hair out of place.

Billy Ray Cyrus reminisced about apologizing to Parton in 1992 over false tabloid rumors linking them romantically. He recalled her response, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’ He added that she had recently sent him a message expressing her love, which he would always reciprocate.

Marie Osmond called Parton a pioneer and a beautiful soul who touched generations through her music, kindness, and spirit. She shared a photo with Parton and Betty White with the co-founders of Paul Mitchell, referring to both women as ‘national treasures’ and asking Parton to embrace White for her.

Hollywood Pays Tribute

Jamie Lee Curtis stated that the saying ‘don’t meet your heroes’ did not apply to Parton. She cited Parton’s decision to write ‘I Will Always Love You’ as an example of her bravery — a way of expressing gratitude and love for someone while choosing to move forward.

Anne Hathaway remarked that heaven had regained one of its own, stating that Parton left behind a legacy filled with melodies, lyrics, stories, jokes, and performances, and it was now up to everyone else to follow in her ‘brilliant, adorable, one-of-a-kind, bedazzled footsteps.’

Katy Perry remembered Parton as someone who broke stereotypes for decades, showing that a powerful voice and a big heart could coexist within a single person.

She shared a memory of dreaming about having Parton join her for a Super Bowl performance, emerging from a giant rhinestone cowboy boot, and mentioned that when Parton was unable to participate, she gracefully sent Perry’s team a handwritten note via fax back in 2015.

Vera Wang referred to Parton as ‘a modern and independent woman far ahead of her time,’ describing her as beautiful, talented, honest, and a joyful, consummate performer.

Goldie Hawn shared a memory from their first meeting, noting that Parton was already ‘lit up like an angel’ at that time. She expressed a desire for Parton to rest and, in her words, ‘keep the angels creating music and singing in the heavens.’

Oprah fondly recalled wearing Bob Mackie gowns together while appearing on Parton’s talk show, ‘Dolly,’ referring to it as one of her most cherished memories.

She reflected on how a girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed big and lived an extraordinary life, giving generously in both visible and unseen ways.

Priscilla Presley shared a personal recollection, stating that after she and Elvis finalized their divorce, he sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ to her as they exited the courthouse together.

She later shared that memory with Parton, emphasizing that it was Parton’s warmth, humor, and immense heart — not just her music — that made her truly unique.

Jane Fonda penned a heartfelt tribute, portraying Parton as more present, impactful, generous, and playful than anyone she had ever encountered. She described her as woven into the memories of ‘9 to 5,’ Dollywood, and the countless books she provided to children.

Fonda characterized Parton as both ‘a cheeky, playful Southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee’ and a profound thinker who could see through to people’s true selves, someone who always seemed to know how to make things right — and at times, ‘stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Rogers’ home.’

Kelly Osbourne expressed her gratitude to Parton for paving the way not only for women in music but for all women to be unapologetically themselves. She noted that Parton exemplified how one could be ambitious and kind, strong and gentle, fearless and authentic simultaneously, calling it one of the greatest honors of her life to work with her.

Lauren Sanchez stated that Parton gave depth to her Courage and Civility award, instead of the other way around. She recalled Parton expressing her commitment to support children and highlighted three decades of sending free books to those in need, a mission Parton pursued motivated by her father’s inability to read.

Ivanka Trump referenced advice from Parton she had quoted on a podcast years prior: ‘I don’t criticize and condemn; I love and accept.’ She labeled the quote, akin to much of what made Parton an icon, deceptively simple yet deeply profound.

Candace Cameron Bure kept her tribute concise, expressing gratitude to Parton for a lifetime filled with music and magic, wishing for her reunion with the love of her life.

A Heartfelt Tribute from Carrie Underwood

Among all the messages shared, one from Carrie Underwood resonated most deeply with fans. Underwood wrote, ‘She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is. She embodied faith, grace, talent, beauty, and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special.’

She continued, ‘She was likely the one person on Earth that everyone loved and could agree on. She was truly one of a kind, and no one will ever compare. It’s natural to grieve that this world has lost a legend, but heaven has gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home.’

The comments in response were overwhelmingly positive. One fan remarked, ‘I’ve never heard anything more beautiful. Perfectly articulated. I’m still crying by the way.’ Others concurred with comments like, ‘Totally agree. No one could express it better. It reflects how we all feel,’ and ‘Me too. Dolly was a legend.’

A fan even connected the message to Parton’s own music, declaring, ‘The best tribute ❤️. Gonna go play ‘When I Get to Where I’m Going.’ She has made it there….❤️.’ Another described Underwood’s words as ‘the most perfect caption that captures her.’

Not every tribute resonated in the same way. Barbra Streisand’s post was notably brief. She wrote, ‘So sorry to hear about Dolly – she was a true force of nature. May she rest in peace 😢. Barbra.’

A third commenter simply replied, ‘I’m speechless.’

Meanwhile, fans everywhere continue to celebrate Dolly Parton’s remarkable life, unforgettable music, and boundless generosity.