Lizzo has defended her Dolly Parton Halloween costume amid a wave of online criticism calling the tribute disrespectful.
The ‘About Damn Time’ singer, 38, shared photos of herself dressed as the country music legend over the Halloween weekend, wearing a lavish blonde wig and recreating some of Parton’s most iconic looks. The costume landed just two months after Parton’s death on August 25.
In her Instagram caption, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, explained the personal connection behind the tribute. She revealed that Parton had invited her to play flute on her 2024 album during a difficult period in her career.
“In 2024 when the world turned its back on me, Dolly Parton asked me to play flute on her album. I, of course said ‘hell yes’,” she wrote.
Lizzo continued: “Dolly, you icon you, thank you for believing in the good of humanity, for seeing our light in the darkness and loving us anyways! We will always love you.”
The post nonetheless drew sharp criticism from some social media users who felt the exaggerated portrayal crossed a line so soon after Parton’s passing. One commenter wrote: “This seems more mocking and disrespectful than the iconic tribute way I assume she was going for.”
Another questioned: “Why would she think this was a good idea?”
A third added: “Straight up disrespect to Dolly who just recently passed away.”
The timing emerged as a recurring theme among detractors. “It’s a little too soon no? Read the room,” one said. Another wrote: “Not trying to mean or anything but I feel like it too soon to dress up as her.”
Supporters quickly pushed back against the backlash. “Y’all doing too much…Dolly would’ve LOVED this stop,” one fan noted.
Another wrote: “Everyone saying this is disrespectful clearly don’t know dolly or her personality.”
“Dolly would cheer her on,” one user said.
The debate over Lizzo’s costume arrives in a broader context of Parton’s own documented views on impersonation. During a 2009 interview with the National Press Club, the country music legend described seeing people recreate her famous look as a “great compliment,” adding: “It’s like Halloween. I mean, you see Dollys everywhere.”
Lizzo’s Halloween weekend featured a second costume as well. She also transformed into a glamorous Playboy Bunny, sharing a gold satin outfit complete with matching bunny ears, a bow tie and blonde wig on Instagram. She referenced Gina Byrams in her caption, joking: “I’m The First Bunny of the Year Gina Byrams in 1970?!”
The costume controversy marks another public challenge for Lizzo, who referenced the “world turn[ing] its back on me” in her tribute post, alluding to the professional difficulties she faced in 2024 before Parton’s collaboration offer.