‘Complete floozy’: Helen Zille criticised over Dolly Parton tribute

Helen Zille has come under fire over her tribute to the late US country star Dolly Parton.

The American singer and songwriter died on Tuesday, 25 August, after a brief cancer battle. She turned 80 earlier this year.

HELEN ZILLE UNDER FIRE OVER DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE

On her X platform, Helen Zille posted a tribute to Dolly Parton, whose death has made international headlines.

However, her choice of words did not bode well with the public.

Helen posted: “Dolly Parton —  love her. She nursed her ill husband till the end. She looked like a complete floozy, but she was a strong and deep human being. RIP”.

Dolly Parton — love her. She nursed her ill husband till the end. She looked like a complete floozy but she was a strong and deep humam being. RIP.https://t.co/jtSAOrZISG

— Helen Zille (@helenzille) August 27, 2026

In the comments section, Helen, who is five years Dolly’s junior, was criticised for “disrespectful” words.

@Rahul_AJ_1990: “What’s wrong with Helen Zille? Stomping on the grave of a great human being who only ever did good for her fellow humans.

@BennyN2: “’Floozy’ was not necessary.  Bad taste. Should be more respectful towards a brilliant lady.

@TaureanGoddess_: “What? This is the rudest condolences message I’ve ever read”

@xo_ole: “So distasteful”

@ludditeRSA: “You must be Jolene”

What's wrong with Helen Zille? Stomping on the grave of a great human being who only ever did good for her fellow humans.

Dolly Parton, besides being an iconic singer & songwriter, was also a notable philanthropist & humanitarian.

These, of course, are not attributes that madam… pic.twitter.com/E4VvAkOEPv

— Rahul SA 🇿🇦 (@Rahul_AJ_1990) August 27, 2026

Helen Zille clapped back at criticism, responding to one X user: “Idiot. It is a tribute if you are too thick to get it”.

She added: “I was paying her a deep tribute”.

Idiot. It is a tribute if you are too thick to get it.

— Helen Zille (@helenzille) August 27, 2026

CAUSE OF DEATH, FUNERAL

Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, 25 August, following a brief battle with cancer. 

Her representatives confirmed that she died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.

According to reports, Dolly requested a small, private funeral for her immediate family.

She is expected to be buried beside her husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, where her spouse was laid to rest after his death last year.