Bill Maher’s Dolly Parton Reference Draws Criticism on HBO’s Real Time

Bill Maher opened Friday’s episode of HBO’s Real Time by noting the recent passing of Dolly Parton, saying the nation was marking the loss with various public displays, including illuminated landmarks in London, Santa Monica, New York and Las Vegas. The remarks were part of a monologue that also touched on other current topics.

"All this is going on and all America could really talk about this week was how sad it is that we lost Dolly Parton," Maher said. The segment has been criticized for its brief and superficial treatment of the singer’s legacy.