Abdul El-Sayed Draws Backlash Over Dolly Parton Tribute After Singer Dies at 80
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 26
Abdul El-Sayed Draws Backlash Over Dolly Parton Tribute After Singer Dies at 80
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 26
Summary
Abdul El-Sayed came under heavy online criticism after posting that Dolly Parton used music to spotlight poverty, inequality and working people shortly after her death.
The Michigan Democratic Senate nominee also quoted "Coat of Many Colors," but critics said the message turned a widely mourned death into a political statement and his post was heavily ratioed on X.
Conservative commentators, media figures and Republican operatives piled on, accusing El-Sayed of exploiting Parton’s death for political gain and pandering.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer at 80, prompting broad tributes to a six-decade career that produced hits including "Jolene" and "9 to 5."