Child actor Ricky Schroder is facing criticism online after posting a controversial tribute to Tennessee singer Dolly Parton following her death.
Ricky Schroder became a familiar face to audiences at a young age after launching his acting career as a child star. He gained widespread recognition for playing Ricky Stratton on the popular sitcom Silver Spoons, a role that helped establish him as one of the better-known young actors of his generation. Schroder also had the opportunity to work with country music legend Dolly Parton, appearing alongside her in the 1981 television film The Best Little Girl in the World. The project became another notable credit from his early career and connected the young actor with Parton, who had already established herself as a successful singer, songwriter and entertainer.
Following the star’s death, Schroder posted a tribute that some fans considered offensive. The controversy stemmed from the fact that he began the tribute by criticizing Dolly Parton’s advocacy for transgender rights and COVID-19 vaccines. “I didn’t agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support…but Loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy,” the actor wrote.
Dolly Parton was widely recognized as a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender people. She publicly advocated for acceptance and equality, saying that she believed people should be allowed to be who they are without being judged. Parton also supported marriage equality and addressed transgender rights, particularly as anti-transgender legislation gained attention in her home state of Tennessee.
In 2005, she wrote and performed “Travelin’ Thru,” an Oscar-nominated song for Transamerica, a film centered on a transgender woman. She also spoke about having transgender, gay and lesbian people among her friends, employees and family. She emphasized that she loved and accepted them.
Parton also publicly supported COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic. In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University. This was to support research that contributed to the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. In March 2021, Parton received the Moderna vaccine herself and used the moment to encourage others to get vaccinated. She even performed a playful version of her song “Jolene,” replacing the title with “vaccine.” This was a part of her message encouraging people to get their shots. She also emphasized that, despite the humor, she was serious about promoting vaccination.
Schroder’s admission that he disagreed with Dolly Parton’s support for both causes contributed to the backlash against him. The band Garbage also joined the criticism, telling the child actor, “[expletive] off Ricky Schroder.”
Fans Slam Child Actor Following Tribute to Tennessee Star
Fans quickly slammed the child actor over his tribute to Tennessee singer and legend Dolly Parton. Many believed he had chosen the wrong words and should not have brought up her stances on the issues. Some even questioned Schroder’s relevance. One person asked, “Who the [expletive] is Ricky Schroeder?” Another person replied, “Washed up child actor, MAGA chud.” Someone else added, “It’s funny how desperate losers always seem to find their way to MAGA.”
More people criticized the actor over his tribute, with one person writing, “He couldn’t just keep that opinion to himself. Just give her the respect that she deserved and keep your political and homophobic out of your ‘tribute’. To love Dolly is to love ALL of her. She did the same for everyone she met and hadn’t met, that’s the real mean of being a Christian and loving your fellow man.” Another person said, “Grifting from a loss of a beloved artist that everyone adored? Somehow on brand for these mofos. Ngl.”
The tribute shared by Ricky Schroder quickly sparked a conversation about how people should be mindful of the words they use when honoring a celebrity after their death. It also led to discussion about how Dolly Parton should be remembered and celebrated for her life and career. This is rather than criticized for her personal views and advocacy on various issues.
