Piers Morgan's bizarre Dolly Parton tribute sparks furious backlash
Not everyone is pleased with the way Piers Morgan opted to honour the life of Dolly Parton following her passing this week.
The country music star died on Tuesday (25 August), surrounded by her loved ones, as per a statement shared by her representatives.
They confirmed Parton had endured a 'brief battle' with cancer before her death, aged 80, and was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville the Thursday prior.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched."
Advert
In the days since, hordes of huge-name stars - from fellow singers to Royal Family members, actors to TV presenters - have shared tributes, including media personality Piers Morgan.
The Talk TV host shared a snap of the '9 to 5' star, along with the caption: "RIP Dolly Parton. Never met her, never interviewed her (despite decades of unrequited requests) but thought she was utterly fabulous in every way."
Unsurprisingly, Morgan's blunt description of Parton - as well as the fact he brought himself up just four words in - hasn't gone down too well with several of her biggest fans.
Some jokingly praised Parton for having dismissed Morgan's request to catch up, with one writing: "The greatest possible tribute to Dolly is that she spent many years turning down interview requests from Piers Morgan.
"Rest in power, you absolute queen."
Another gushed: "Dolly was wiser than we all knew."
Others aimed the ex-Good Morning Britain frontman for quickly bringing up his own experience.
"You don't have to make it about you; just type rest in peace like the rest of us," one hit out.
Someone else claimed: "I don't think there's been a bigger self-own in Twitter history here."
Morgan's tribute came after musician Billy Ray Cyrus shared a more heartfelt message.
The 'Achy Breaky Heart' singer wrote: "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms."
The star, who chose Parton as his daughter, Miley Cyrus' godmother, added: "Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will."
Miley herself wrote on Wednesday: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private, and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis."
She continued: "I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together, and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Paul McCartney also hailed Parton's songwriting and philanthropy as 'unrivalled in the world of country music'.
US President Donald Trump added: "This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
Eminem also described the chart-topper as a 'superstar in every sense', while Beyoncé penned: "Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship.
"I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever."
King Charles III and Queen Camilla also shared joint message on social media, writing: "Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many - including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library.
"We will always [heart] you."
Morgan actually reacted to the royals' tribute, writing: "Brilliant,: with three clapping hands emojis.
A timeline of Dolly Parton's charity work
The country singer has been fondly remembered for her generosity and how much she gave back to local communities across the United States, as well as contributing to education, welfare and animal rights. Here's a list of everything she did to help others:
The Dollywood Foundation
In 1988, Parton originally launched the organisation in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, with the goal of decreasing secondary school drop out rates. She then launched the Buddy Program, which saw Parton give every seventh and eighth grader who finished high school $500.
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood
In 1991, the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee partnered with the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) to open a 30,000-square-foot aviary that sheltered the largest collection of 'non-releasable' bald eagles.
This partnership 'helped introduce millions of Dollywood guests to America’s national symbol and to the importance of protecting bald eagles and other birds of prey', according to the AEF's website.
Imagination Library
In 1995, the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library was founded and inspired by Parton’s father, who was unable to read. It began sending one book per month to each enrolled child in Sevier County from birth until their first year of school.
In 2025, it was announced that the Imagination Library gifted more than 40.3 million books, bringing the program’s total books gifted since its launch to more than 304.5 million.
The Dolly Parton Scholarship
According to the Dollywood Foundation, the scholarship - an annual award granting $15,000 (£11,000) each to five secondary school seniors in Sevier County, Tennessee - is awarded to those who 'have a dream they wish to pursue and who can successfully communicate their plan and commitment to realise their dreams'.
My People Fund
After previously working hard to aid wildfire relief in Tennessee in 2016, Parton launched the My People Fund, which provided $1,000 (£733) a month for six months to families whose homes were completely destroyed by the fires.
The fund also donated around $8.9 million (£6.5 million) to those in need.
$1 million donation to a children’s hospital
In 2017, Parton made the staggering donation to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in honor of her niece, who was treated for leukemia at that hospital.
She made another $1 million donation to the same hospital in 2022, this time aiming to help pediatric infectious disease research.
Covid-19 vaccine donation efforts
Parton donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University, which helped fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Tennessee flooding relief
$700,000 (£510,000) was raised by Parton and her Smoky Mountain businesses in 2021 to help residents impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Middle Tennessee.
Dollywood education coverage
In 2022, the Dollywood Co. announced that it will cover 100% of tuition, fees and books for any employee who is furthering their education.
The program is available to all seasonal, part-time and full-time employees at Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
$1 million donation to the Salvation Army
In late 2023, the singer donated another generous $1 million to the Salvation Army, with the money going towards food and grocery programs in the US.
$2 million donation toward Hurricane Helene relief
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, which affected areas across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Parton donated $1 million from her own funds for the Mountain Way’s Foundation, which provides assistance to flood victims.
Her East Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation also pledged an additional $1 million.
Topics: Piers Morgan, Celebrity, US News, Entertainment, UK News
Rhianna Benson