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Ricky Schroder faces backlash over Dolly Parton tribute mentioning political disagreements

The actor, who played Parton's father in two biopic films, drew sharp criticism for raising his opposition to her advocacy for transgender rights and COVID-19 vaccines.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 17:26 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 26 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
  • Her former co-star Ricky Schroder posted a social media tribute noting that he "didn't agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support."
  • Schroder's remarks sparked widespread criticism from public figures and social media users who labeled the tribute disrespectful and self-centered.
  • While many condemned his post, some of Schroder's fans defended his remarks, arguing that people can disagree and still care for one another.

Key facts

  • Country music icon Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.[The Hollywood Reporter · Billboard]
  • Actor Ricky Schroder, who played Parton's father in two NBC television biopics, posted a tribute stating he disagreed with her advocacy for transgender rights and COVID-19 vaccines but "Loved her anyway."[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Schroder subsequently doubled down by posting an Instagram story stating he had warned Parton not to support "the Experiment."[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Public figures, including journalist Katie Couric, the rock band Garbage, and sports host Josh Cohen, publicly criticized Schroder's remarks as disrespectful and inappropriate.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Some of Schroder's supporters defended the post, asserting the right of individuals to hold differing beliefs while maintaining mutual affection.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Schroder has a history of public disputes over COVID-19 policies, including recorded confrontations regarding mask mandates at a Costco in 2021 and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in 2022.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Sources