US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton, following her death at the age of 80, and ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for one week in her honour.
Trump announced the decision on Tuesday through a post on Truth Social, describing Parton as one of the greatest country singers and saying her death represented a significant loss to millions of people.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump said in his tribute, adding that the world loved the late singer.
Under the presidential proclamation, US flags will remain at half-staff from Tuesday evening until sunset on September 1, 2026. The order covers federal buildings and grounds, military installations, naval vessels and US diplomatic facilities abroad.
Parton’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from politicians, musicians, entertainers and fans around the world. Her family confirmed that she died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, at 80. The cause of death had not been publicly disclosed at the time of the announcement.
The presidential tribute is significant because Parton’s influence extended well beyond country music. During a career spanning decades, she became known for songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” while also establishing herself as an actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Her humanitarian work was particularly notable through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy by providing books to children.
Parton also became a major cultural figure through Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park associated with her name and legacy.
The singer maintained a largely non-partisan public image and was widely admired across political and cultural divides. Her death therefore represents a major loss to American popular culture.
Trump’s decision to lower the flags places a formal national tribute alongside the widespread public mourning, underscoring the extraordinary cultural impact of Dolly Parton’s life and career.
