Did Ricky Schroder really think he could pull off the most awkward tribute in Hollywood history? Girl, he tried—and the internet is NOT having it.
The 56-year-old former child star just discovered that there’s a proper way to honor a fallen icon, and honey, his Instagram post was NOT it. On Tuesday, August 26, Schroder posted a nostalgic photo of himself with the legendary Dolly Parton alongside a caption that can only be described as a masterclass in how NOT to eulogize someone. “I didn’t agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support… but Loved her anyway,” he wrote, apparently believing this was the perfect time to air his personal grievances with an 80-year-old icon who literally just left us.
Oh sweetie, the Twitter mob came for him FAST. Fans and fellow celebrities were quick to point out that this tribute managed to be simultaneously loving and absolutely tone-deaf. It’s giving “I’d like to honor you, but also let me use your death as a platform to subtly shame your values.” The audacity! The lack of self-awareness! The unnecessary parenthetical energy!
What makes this even more cringe-worthy is that Schroder and Parton had a genuine connection. He affectionately referred to her as his “Movie Daddy” from their work together, which makes his insensitive commentary feel like a total betrayal of whatever bond they shared. Fans were quick to remind him that death is not the time to broadcast your political disagreements with someone.
The backlash was swift and deserved. Thousands of comments flooded in calling out Schroder for using Dolly’s passing as an opportunity to make a statement about vaccines and transgender rights. One thing we know for sure: Dolly was a legend who stood by her convictions, and she sure as hell didn’t need this man’s conditional love or qualified mourning.
The internet collectively rolled its eyes so hard we’re pretty sure it heard an audible crack. Multiple celebrities and fans have since posted ACTUAL tributes—you know, the kind that celebrate someone’s achievements without tacking on a “but here’s what I didn’t like about her” disclaimer.
This is your reminder that sometimes silence is golden, Ricky. Let the icon rest.
What do you think? A) Ricky should have just stuck to celebrating Dolly’s legacy without the judgment B) His feelings were valid but the timing and tone were completely inappropriate