Ricky Schroder Criticized for Political Commentary in Dolly Parton Tribute

Schroder, who portrayed Parton’s father in the 2015 film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and its 2016 sequel, shared an archival photograph alongside a caption detailing their discord. “I didn’t agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support… but Loved her anyway,” he wrote. The inclusion of these specific political grievances prompted an immediate wave of negative responses from social media users, many of whom argued that the timing of his message lacked basic decency.

Parton, who passed away on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer, was famously careful to avoid partisan debates throughout her career. Despite her broad appeal across the political spectrum—and her significant financial support for the Moderna vaccine development via a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center—she preferred to remain neutral. “I don’t want to offend anybody,” she told USA Today in 2020. Her legacy, defined by philanthropy, childhood literacy, and a commitment to unconditional kindness, stands in stark contrast to the divisive tone of Schroder’s recent public remarks.