New York Governor Kathy Hochul displayed Dolly Parton-themed road safety messages on motorway signs after the singer’s reported death, but the tribute drew criticism over federal guidance designed to minimise driver distraction. The dispute matters because it highlights the tension between memorable public messaging and rules intended to keep roadside information simple and quickly understood.

The signs included altered song titles such as “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, don’t speed” and “I will always love safe driving”. Federal Highway Administration guidance issued in December 2023 advises against pop-culture references that could take longer to process, although officials said the guidance is not necessarily legally binding. Hochul’s office said the messages were intended both to honour Parton and remind drivers to travel safely; other reported tributes included a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport.