New Delhi: Dolly Parton fans on social media are trying to safeguard her legacy from those they believe do not honour the values she stood for. Key figures in the line of fire are Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and author JK Rowling, who posted tributes to the American singer following her demise on 25 August.
Parton, widely recognised as the “Queen of Country”, was celebrated for her music, humour, and extensive philanthropy. Her Imagination Library book programme distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children. She was also known for supporting the queer community, including public statements against anti-trans laws. She was also celebrated as an icon by the queer community.
When Rowling, who funds organisations that seek to impose restrictions on transgender women, posted a memorial message in Parton’s remembrance, users online jumped in to call out the hypocrisy.
“Dolly was a vocal and consistent supporter of transgender people throughout her career, utilising both her music and public platform to champion trans right and inclusivity. She explicitly spoke out against the kinds of anti-trans legislation that you support,” wrote X user Amaliya Patrova in a long comment.
She elaborated on Parton’s contribution to the queer movement.
“I’d like to say she would have detested you, but Dolly didn’t hate anyone, she was the polar opposite of you in every meaningful way,” Patrova wrote in her closing paragraph.
Some of the comments urged the Harry Potter author to reflect and learn from Parton.
“A woman who used her wealth to raise up and give back to marginalised……there’s a lesson there,” wrote one user.
Others have simply quoted articles about Parton’s status as a queer ally, asking Rowling to “keep her name out of your mouth”.
Also read: Bill Gates wants job reservation for humans in the AI era
‘Sit this one out’
Critics of Bezos have similarly contrasted Parton’s lifelong charitable work with the billionaire’s extreme wealth, calling his tribute performative. Users on Instagram and X argued that Bezos’ words rang hollow against the labour practices associated with his company.
“Dolly wrote 9 to 5, buddy. She doesn’t like you,” a user commented under his post on Instagram.
“She hated everything you stand for. Sit this one out,” wrote a user on X.
Parton’s famous 1980 hit and movie 9 to 5 were inspired by 9to5, a real-world advocacy group founded by women office workers in 1973 to fight against wage theft, sexual harassment, and workplace discrimination. She has been recognised by many as an advocate for ethical workplaces.
Many contrasted it with Amazon’s history of worker conditions and labour disputes, arguing that any praise for Parton’s generosity looked selective coming from someone whose business model they viewed as fundamentally at odds with her values.
“Her organisation fully funded 108 university programs for all staff (incl part-time & seasonal). Yours times bathroom breaks, with 48% of staff needing food stamps, Medicaid or housing assistance,” wrote a user in the comments. “Perhaps she was ‘showing [you] what it means to lead with love’ for a reason?”
The Republican conference came under similar scrutiny from Parton fans.
“Reminder: Republicans cut $4 million in funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library literacy program. She doesn’t like you AT ALL,” a user wrote quoting the tribute post by the ‘House of Republicans’.
The internet has been flooded with posts from all over honouring Parton’s legacy not just in music, but her championing of worker and queer rights.
“Dolly Parton didn’t spend her dollars on space travel or a trip to the titanic because she was writing checks to put 150 million books in the hands of children,” read a memorial post on X.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)