Ricky Schroder Criticizes Dolly Parton Again After Her Death

Actor Ricky Schroder has again criticized Dolly Parton’s support for transgender people and COVID-19 vaccines, days after the singer died at age 80.

Schroder, who played Parton’s father in two of her television movies, posted an old video of Parton discussing her Moderna vaccine on Instagram. “I warned Dolly to not support the Experiment,” Schroder wrote, adding that he wished she had listened to him.

After Parton’s death was announced, Schroder had also shared a photo of the two together and said he disagreed with her views on transgender rights and COVID-19 vaccines but still loved her. His comments drew criticism from fans and public figures, including journalist Katie Couric and rock band Garbage.

Parton was widely known for supporting LGBTQ people and for her charitable work. GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis praised her as “the queen of inclusivity and philanthropy” and highlighted her support for the LGBTQ community.

In a past interview that resurfaced after her death, Parton said people should be free to live as they are. She also said Christians should not judge others, adding, “We’re supposed to love one another and we’re supposed to not judge.”