Bill Maher sparked immediate backlash on social media following a monologue on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher where he complained about global mourning for Dolly Parton. According to coverage from Bleeding Cool, the host criticized the widespread public grief and tributes following Parton’s death at age 80, punctuating his remarks with a crude joke about the singer’s physical appearance.
Bill Maher’s Monologue Criticizes Global Dolly Parton Tributes
During the Friday night episode of his HBO talk show, Maher opened his monologue by addressing current news topics, including a trade war with Canada, before turning his attention to the late country music icon. According to Bleeding Cool, Maher told his studio audience that despite other global events happening simultaneously, “all America could really talk about this week was how sad it is we lost Dolly Parton.” Parton passed away on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer, according to statements released by her family.
Maher listed several prominent architectural tributes that appeared worldwide following the singer’s death. As reported by Bleeding Cool, he noted that the Santa Monica ferris wheel lit up with hearts, the Empire State Building was illuminated in pink, and locations in London marked the occasion. However, Maher followed the list with a wisecrack referencing Parton’s famously enhanced bust, stating that “The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple,” according to Bleeding Cool.
Public Backlash and Social Media Reaction
The joke drew immediate criticism from viewers across the political spectrum on social media. According to Bleeding Cool, one social media user wrote that even former President Donald Trump avoided negativity regarding Parton’s passing, expressing surprise that Maher chose to criticize a universally beloved figure. Variety characterized the host’s remark as the “lamest Dolly Parton tribute yet,” as noted by Bleeding Cool.
Maher was joined by only a handful of public figures in striking a critical note regarding the outpouring of grief. According to Bleeding Cool, former child actor Ricky Schroder also drew sharp rebukes online for criticizing Parton’s advocacy for transgender individuals and COVID-19 vaccine support. Fox Sports South Florida co-host Josh Cohen publicly condemned Schroder’s remarks on X, calling him the first person to disrespect Parton in her passing, as reported by Bleeding Cool.
Global Outpouring of Grief and Chart Success
The backlash to Maher’s comments contrasted sharply with the massive international response to Parton’s death. Tributes poured in from public figures and musicians worldwide, including goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama, according to Bleeding Cool. Fans also left flowers and memorials at the entry gate of Parton’s home in Brentwood, Tennessee, as documented by Reuters photographs.
In addition to tributes, Parton’s classic catalog surged back onto music charts internationally. According to reporting on the UK Official Singles Chart, “Jolene” rose to number nine, “9-5” climbed to number 12, and her 1983 duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream,” reached number 13 following a 276 percent week-on-week increase in consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dolly Parton pass away?
Dolly Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, according to her family.
What did Bill Maher say about Dolly Parton?
During his HBO show Real Time, Bill Maher complained that media coverage focused too heavily on Parton’s death rather than other news events, and made a crude joke about her appearance regarding tributes displayed on the Las Vegas Sphere.
How did fans and celebrities react to Parton’s death?
Artists, political figures, and fans worldwide offered tributes, while her classic songs like “Jolene” and “9-5” surged on music charts in the UK.
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