Published : 30 Aug 2026, 05:05 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:37 AM
Bill Maher takes aim at the wave of public grief over Dolly Parton's death, arguing that Americans have been too consumed by mourning to pay attention to more pressing matters.
The comedian and talk show host opened Friday's episode of Real Time with Bill Maher by pointing to the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada before pivoting to what he saw as a misplaced national preoccupation.
"All this is going on, and all America could really talk about this week was how sad it is we lost Dolly Parton," Maher said in remarks shared to X on Friday night.
Parton died on Aug 25 following what her family described as a "brief battle" with cancer. She was 80.
Her death triggered an extraordinary global outpouring of grief, with tributes pouring in from fans, world leaders, and fellow artists alike.
Among those to pay their respects were her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, US President Donald Trump, and former president Barack Obama.
Maher acknowledged the breadth of the response before landing a joke at the singer's expense.
"Everyone around the country, even around the world" had been marking her passing, he said, noting that the Santa Monica ferris wheel had been lit up with hearts, the Empire State Building bathed in pink, and -- in a crude reference to Parton's famous figure -- "The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple."
The remarks drew attention in part because Maher is not alone in striking a discordant note.
Actor Ricky Schroder, who portrayed Parton's father in two biographical films about her childhood, also attracted criticism after saying he loved the singer despite what he called "her advocating for Transgender and COVIDVaccine support".
The post prompted a sharp response from Fox Sports South Florida co-host Josh Cohen, who wrote on X: "Congratulations to former child TV actor Ricky Schroder on becoming the first person to disrespect Dolly Parton in her passing. What an absolute douche."
Parton's death has renewed public attention on her legacy beyond music -- including her support for LGBT+ causes, medical research, and a literacy programme for children that has donated millions of books worldwide.
The trade dispute that Maher referenced has meanwhile continued to escalate.
The US and Canada have been exchanging retaliatory measures following the breakdown of trade negotiations, with Trump reportedly weighing additional tariffs in response to Canada's decision to impose levies on approximately $20 billion worth of American goods.
Trump also signed an order directing the federal government to rename New York's Lake Ontario as "Lake America".
