Sizwe Dhlomo Defends Helen Zille’s Dolly Parton Tribute, Mzansi Isn’t Having It: “Respect the Dead”
- Sizwe Dhlomo weighed in on Helen Zille's tribute to the late Dolly Parton, which sparked backlash online
- Zille described Parton as a 'complete floozy' in a post that many felt was disrespectful to the deceased icon
- Dhlomo referenced Parton's own self-deprecating quote, but Mzansi was not buying his framing of the situation
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Source: Getty Images
Broadcaster Sizwe Dhlomo found himself in Mzansi's crosshairs on Thursday, 27 August 2026, after he stepped into the controversy surrounding Helen Zille's tribute to the late Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday, 25 August. Rather than settling the debate, his response poured fuel on an already raging fire.
Zille, the Democratic Alliance politician, had posted a tribute on X describing Parton as a "complete floozy" while also praising her devotion to her ill husband. The word choice immediately drew criticism, with many feeling the description was inappropriate regardless of the intent behind it.
Sizwe Dhlomo weighs in on Helen Zille's Dolly Parton tribute
Dhlomo quoted the post and attempted to offer context, pointing out that Parton herself had famously joked about her appearance, once saying, "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap." He opened his response with:
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"Guys, I'm not defending Helen here, but Dolly Parton herself said about her looks ', It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.'"
The caveat at the start did little to shield him from criticism, with several users accusing him of doing exactly what he claimed he was not doing.
Mzansi responds to Sizwe Dhlomo's reaction
The reactions were sharp and largely unconvinced by the broadcaster's framing. Here is what people had to say:
@khaphiditoti commented:
"Just because I have a sense of humour about myself doesn't give anyone else the right to attach names to me. Yes, she did say all of that, but Hellen had no right to call her a floozy"
@akiMokoka argued:
"Yes, she's said that about HERSELF. Helen isn't even her friend. She didn't know her like THAT. She should just say her condolences, like a normal person and move on. Or not, she really didn't have to say anything at all."
@Lamza_knees remarked:
"It's okay for a person to shade themselves. But others must exercise a little decorum. Especially when there's no relationship."
@Chelsea_Agenda reacted:
"Think the point is: respect the dead... Why do you always gotta be THAT guy🥴"
@A_T_C_A criticised:
"You are defending Helen, you idiot."
Source: Getty Images
Beyoncé pays emotional tribute to Dolly Parton
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Beyoncé shared a heartfelt message on her website honouring Dolly Parton, who passed away peacefully in Nashville.
The tribute recalled the personal bond the two artists built while working together on Beyoncé's Grammy-winning Cowboy Carter album.
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Source: Briefly News
