J.K. Rowling responds to critics under Dolly Parton tribute

J.K. Rowling responded to critics of her Dolly Parton tribute after one X user said, 'It should have been you'

J.K. Rowling responded to criticism of her tribute to Dolly Parton after the death of the country music legend at 80.

The Harry Potter author paid tribute to Parton on X, praising her work with the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a programme focused on child literacy.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity. Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 25, 2026

The post attracted criticism from several X users, with the article noting Parton’s advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues.

One critic responded to Rowling’s tribute by writing, “It should have been you.”

Rowling shared the comment with her followers and responded, “Top tips for wishing death on people in public, @b4byfirefly.”

Top tips for wishing death on people in public, @b4byfirefly. Blocking the target is useless if you've signposted your real name and university in your bio😘 pic.twitter.com/fHVSTiRLJ0

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 25, 2026

Rowling also replied to other negative responses to her tribute. One user wrote, “You know you and Dolly have nothing to agree upon, you f—ing monster.”

Rowling responded, “Well, joke's on you, because neither of us want Jolene to take our man.” The comment referenced Parton’s 1973 song “Jolene”.

Another user suggested Parton had supported Donald Trump. Rowling replied, “Oh, do f— off. At a conservative estimate, Dolly Parton was 100,000x the person you are.”