Following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton at 80 on August 25, tributes poured in from across the United States’ political divide.
Among them was Ivanka Trump, who posted a message on X quoting the country star’s own words and saying she adored and admired her greatly.
However, the tribute quickly backfired as social media users pointed out contradictions they claim exist between Dolly Parton’s message of love and acceptance and the conduct of Ivanka Trump and her family.
5Ivanka joined the widespread tributes to Parton on social media, describing the country legend as an “American icon” and emphasizing her achievements in music, business, and philanthropy.
According to the post, she said, “Goodbye to a bright light. A peerless singer, incredible songwriter, gifted comic actress, tireless philanthropist, accomplished businesswoman and true original. We never met, but I adored and admired Dolly greatly.”
Ivanka also referred to a “profound and deeply moving” quote from Parton that she claimed had resonated with her ever since she first heard it. It reads, “I don’t criticize and condemn, I love and accept.”
The president’s daughter initially referenced this “piece of wisdom” from Parton when she appeared on the “Lex Fridman” podcast in 2024. She said, “I love that Dolly Parton says that she doesn’t condemn or criticize. She loves and accepts. And I like that. It feels right for me.”
The first daughter also said at the time that Parton reminded her of her late mom, Ivana Trump, who passed away in 2022 from accidental injuries after falling down the stairs at her home in Manhattan.
Her remarks and love for Parton have now drawn severe criticism online due to her affiliation with the Trump administration.
5The seemingly authentic tribute quickly drew criticism online, with users arguing that Parton’s message of love and acceptance was incompatible with the political rhetoric associated with Trump and his family.
Critics described the post as “tone-deaf” and questioned her right to reference such a quote considering her relationship with Trump.
One commenter said, “Your father and brothers demonstrate precisely the opposite every hour of every day,” while another questioned whether she would advise her father to abide by Parton’s profound wisdom.
However, amid the backlash, Ivanka received support from people online, emphasizing that her tribute did not “deserve” to be torn apart.
“Why criticize her? The quote is about Dolly!” one supporter said, while another noted, “I see Ivanka paying a beautiful tribute to an American treasure & I see hate seething from you. Dolly loved us all, and we all loved Dolly. Y’all are the only ones being nasty. Un-Dolly-like.”
Dolly Parton Revealed She Never Got ‘Involved In Politics’
5The visceral reactions toward Ivanka’s post centered largely on the contrast between Parton’s public image and the political controversies surrounding the Trump family.
The country singer had previously emphasized her decision to identify with neither political side in an earlier interview with USA Today.
Explaining her choice, she said, “I don’t like to get involved in politics, because first of all, I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats. I don’t want to offend anybody; I have a right to myself.”
Parton notably declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom award twice during Trump’s first term as the president of the United States.
She would later explain that she couldn’t accept it because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill and COVID-19 travel restrictions were also a factor.
Parton also declined the award from the Biden administration for fear of “doing politics.”
Donald Trump’s Tribute To The Country Music Icon
5Trump has described the “9 to 5” star as an American cultural icon with far-reaching influence. After her death, the president ordered U.S flags to be flown at half-staff for one week.
He said of Parton’s death, “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her and never will.”
Trump previously stated on Glenn Beck’s radio program, per Newsweek, that Parton really liked him but didn’t publicly show her support because she had to be politically neutral.
Her political neutrality had long been a part of her public identity. She focused attention on her music, businesses, and charitable efforts rather than on her political affiliations.
Tributes Continue As The World Grieves Dolly Parton’s Passing
5Fans gathered at Dollywood following her death, leaving flowers, letters, and other tributes at her Tennessee theme park.
According to Nine Australia, the park experienced an abnormally high volume of visitors who wanted tickets to go and pay their respects.
Instead of closing to grieve their loss, the theme park continued operating as usual to honor Parton’s memory.
They said, “Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness,” echoing sentiments of love, unity and acceptance that all who have been influenced by her feel ever so deeply following the tragic loss.
RIP, Dolly Parton.
