Overview
- Dolly Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her family announced on August 25, and tributes poured in from stars and landmark displays around the world.
- On the August 28 episode of Real Time, Bill Maher joked about Parton’s breasts while noting the global tributes and the comment drew heavy backlash on social media for being crude and poorly timed.
- Actor Ricky Schroder posted critical remarks about Parton’s support for COVID-19 vaccines and transgender causes, then doubled down in follow-up posts, prompting public condemnation from viewers and peers.
- Responses to the remarks have been mixed, with many calling them insensitive during mourning and others defending the speakers as following their established provocative comic styles.
- Officials and institutions continue formal memorial moves and appeals to support Parton’s charities, including donations to the Imagination Library and proposals to rename the Nashville airport in her honor.