Dolly Parton’s co-star Ricky Schroder sparks outrage over ‘tone deaf’ tribute
The Independent • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Ricky Schroder faced backlash for politicizing his tribute to Dolly Parton by criticizing her support for transgender rights and COVID-19 vaccines in an Instagram post following her death at age 80.
- Many celebrities and fans condemned Schroder's remarks as transphobic and anti-vaccine, emphasizing that Parton was known for advocating love, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
- Dolly Parton was a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, transgender rights, and contributed significantly to COVID-19 vaccine research, including donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Throughout her career, Parton avoided political partisanship, declining the Presidential Medal of Freedom multiple times to maintain neutrality and focus on charitable work.
- Her death prompted bipartisan tributes, including from Donald Trump and all living former U.S. presidents, highlighting her broad appeal and impact across political lines.
