Ricky Schroder Criticized for Using Dolly Parton Tribute to Air Grievances

Schroder, who portrayed Parton’s father in the 2015 television film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, shared a throwback image on Threads shortly after the singer's death at 80. Despite the tribute, he included a message stating he disagreed with her public support for medical and social causes. He later doubled down on his stance via an Instagram Story, posting a clip of Parton discussing her donation toward Moderna research with the caption, “I warned Dolly to not support the Experiment. Wish she listened.”

This approach triggered immediate backlash across social media. The band Garbage responded with a blunt dismissal, while comedian Murray Hill characterized the post as divisive and contrary to the empathy Parton was known for. Public criticism focused on the timing of the remarks, with users describing the move as a “last dig” rather than a genuine tribute. Parton, who died following a brief battle with cancer at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, remains widely celebrated for her philanthropy, including her $1 million contribution to vaccine research and her expansive Imagination Library project.