President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for one week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80.
Trump announced the decision in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, praising Parton as one of the greatest country singers and entertainers of all time, with an influence that reached far beyond music.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” the president wrote. “This is a true loss for millions of people.”
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he continued. “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
According to the official White House proclamation, the flags will remain at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds for seven days.
This directive includes all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the United States and its territories and possessions.
Further, Trump called on Americans to display the flag at half-staff at their homes and businesses as a mark of respect for the singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist.
Parton’s death was announced in a video statement by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who spoke on behalf of the family. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Throughout her life, Parton remained committed to children and education, specifically through her “Imagination Library” initiative, launched in 1995.
The program grew from serving children in her native East Tennessee into an international literacy initiative that has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children, helping make early reading more accessible to families regardless of income.
“As four-time subscribers to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and lifelong fans of her music, our family knows that Dolly Parton loved a good story,” wrote Second Lady Usha Vance in tribute. “I hope that you’ll pick up a book and celebrate the magic of storytelling in her honor today.”
Elected officials in Tennessee, her home state, were among those emphasizing the personal connection she maintained within the communities where she was raised.
“There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton,” wrote Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) alongside a photo of the two on X.
“An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation,” she continued. “Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you.”
“Dolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state,” added Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) in his own tribute.
“She brought laughter and joy to so many through her musical and philanthropic endeavors. She will be deeply, deeply missed.”
Parton also brought major tourism to the state through her Dollywood amusement park and resorts located in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The attractions brought in millions of visitors, supporting jobs and businesses throughout the region while also helping promote Tennessee’s Appalachian heritage and culture to people around the world.