Trump Mourns Dolly Parton, Orders US Flags to Fly at Half-Staff
US President Donald Trump has mourned country music legend Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80, describing her as one of the greatest country singers and a figure who transcended music.
Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, prompting tributes from political leaders, musicians, entertainers and fans across the United States and around the world.
Trump paid tribute to the singer in a post on Truth Social and announced that American flags would be lowered to half-staff for one week in her honour.
“This is a true loss for millions of people,” Trump wrote. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
He said the flags would be lowered across the United States for one week beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
“Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you,” Trump added.
Tributes poured in from both Republicans and Democrats following the announcement of Parton’s death.
Parton was particularly celebrated in her home state of Tennessee, where she was born and later established Dollywood, the popular amusement park in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty described Parton as a talented entertainer and successful entrepreneur who played a major role in transforming the state.
“Dolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state,” Hagerty said.
He added that Parton brought laughter and joy to millions through her music and philanthropic work.
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn also mourned the singer, saying her death had left a void that would be difficult to fill.
“An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation,” Blackburn said. “Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you.”
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders was among other politicians who paid tribute to Parton.
He praised her not only for her music and songwriting but also for her philanthropic work and advocacy.
Beyond her music career, Parton was widely recognised for her work promoting childhood literacy.
Her Imagination Library programme has provided free books to children, helping make early childhood reading more accessible to families.
The initiative became one of the most visible parts of her philanthropic legacy and earned praise from politicians across the political divide.
Parton also supported education, healthcare and disaster relief initiatives throughout her career.
Despite her broad public influence, she generally avoided partisan political involvement.
She also spoke publicly about LGBTQ+ rights and criticised Tennessee laws targeting transgender people.
Parton maintained a cautious distance from presidential politics despite receiving recognition from leaders across the political spectrum.
She twice declined offers of the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Trump’s first administration.
At the time, Parton cited concerns surrounding the health of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025 at the age of 82.
She later declined another offer of the nation’s highest civilian honour from former President Joe Biden.
Parton and Dean had been married since 1966 and remained together for nearly six decades.
The singer also rejected suggestions that she could one day enter politics.
In a 2023 interview with Metro, Parton said she had no interest in running for president.
She instead argued that her influence was better exercised through music and her efforts to bring people together.
“I try to do my thing through my songs, through the way I accept people and the way I try to make a difference,” she said.
Parton added that she preferred using her music and public platform to address issues rather than seeking political office.