Bill Maher faced backlash for making a joke about Dolly Parton’s death during his HBO show “Real Time,” referencing her famous chest
as fans worldwide mourned the country icon. The comment, which included a quip about the Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple,
sparked criticism from fans and media, with some calling him a soulless ghoul.
Bill Maher’s monologue on his HBO show “Real Time” on Friday (28 August) sparked widespread criticism after he made a joke about Dolly Parton’s death, which occurred two days earlier. The comedian and talk-show host began his episode by addressing the United State’s trade war with Canada before pivoting to Parton’s passing. 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, according to multiple reports. He then listed global tributes to the 80-year-old singer, including the Empire State Building being put up in pink and the Santa Monica ferris wheel lit up with hearts, before making a pointed comment about her famous chest.
The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple,
he quipped.
Backlash Over the Joke
The controversy was compounded by other figures’ responses to Parton’s death. Ricky Schroder, who played Parton’s father in two biopic films based on her childhood, faced criticism for expressing disagreement with her advocacy for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support. Fox Sports South Florida co-host Josh Cohen called Schroder an absolute douche
for disrespecting Parton in her passing. Maher’s joke, however, was seen as particularly tone-deaf, with one X user writing, Imagine if this is the thing that finally gets him thrown off the air.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy and Global Tributes
Parton died on 25 August following a “brief battle” with cancer, her family announced this week, leaving an indelible mark on music, film, and philanthropy. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes, with stars like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé honoring her. The Independent noted that her music returned to the Official Singles Chart in the UK, with “Jolene” at number nine and “9-5” at number 12, while Islands In The Stream
climbed to 13.
Parton’s legacy extended beyond entertainment. The singer donated millions to children’s literacy programs and funded medical research, including the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her influence was felt globally, with landmarks like the Empire State Building and London paying homage. Despite the tribute, Maher’s joke overshadowed the broader mourning, with critics arguing that his comment minimized the scale of her impact.
Context of the Trade War and Political Commentary
Maher’s monologue also touched on the United State’s trade war with Canada, a topic that dominated headlines alongside Parton’s death. The comedian referenced Trump’s signed order directing the federal government to call New York’s Lake Ontario “Lake America” and the potential for additional tariffs or other actions in response to Canada taxing approximately $20bn in American products. While this context was presented as a contrast to the grief over Parton’s passing, it also highlighted the tension between political issues and cultural moments. The Independent noted that Maher’s focus on the trade war, juxtaposed with his joke about Parton, drew criticism for seeming dismissive of her significance.
The episode concluded with Maher shifting to Meta’s $18 billion settlement over teen social media addiction, a topic he framed as more pressing than Parton’s death. So, there are new rules. If you’re under 18, no Facebook and no Instagram between midnight and 6 a.m.,
he said, before joking about the settlement’s impact. This abrupt transition further fueled accusations that Maher prioritized political commentary over cultural sensitivity.
What Comes Next for Bill Maher?
Maher’s remarks have reignited debates about the boundaries of comedy and public mourning. While he has faced criticism before for controversial jokes, this incident highlights the risks of commenting on widely revered figures. The backlash may influence his future content, though Maher has historically defended his right to critique cultural moments. For now, the focus remains on Parton’s legacy, with her music and philanthropy continuing to inspire. As the Independent noted, Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope, and integrity into everything she touched.
