Bill Maher used a joke about Dolly Parton’s appearance during an on-air tribute on Real Time, following the country star’s reported death aged 80. His remarks acknowledged widespread public mourning but centred on a quip about her well-known image, drawing attention to the contrast between her cultural legacy and the tone of the joke.

According to the article, Parton’s family said she died in Nashville after a brief illness with cancer. A 11-time Grammy winner, she was also known for acting and extensive philanthropy, including literacy work through the Dollywood Foundation, support for HIV/AIDS research and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and causes including disaster relief, animal welfare and LGBTQ rights.