Dolly Parton Tributes: Trump Orders American Flags at Half-Mast As World Mourns Death of Country Music Icon

Donald Trump paid tribute to Dolly Parton after the country music legend died at 80 and ordered American flags to be lowered across the country for a week in her memory. “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump described her death as a profound loss for millions and said flags would be lowered beginning Tuesday evening. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump added. “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.” Parton leaves behind a celebrated musical legacy as millions of fans mourn her death.

Tribute from the President

Trump had been a longtime admirer of Parton, and his administration offered her the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice during his first term. Parton declined the first offer because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill. She turned down the second after deciding not to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parton largely kept her political views private, steering clear of political discussions throughout her career even as divisions in the US became increasingly pronounced.

Parton’s home-state senators also mourned her death. Marsha Blackburn said there were “no words to adequately express the sorrow” felt by her family and people across Tennessee, adding, “Dolly, we will always love you.”

Bill Hagerty said he and his wife, Chrissy, were “deeply saddened” by the loss of their “dear friend” and an “entrepreneurial juggernaut” who had helped shape Tennessee while bringing happiness to millions through her music and charitable work.

Parton’s death was confirmed in an Instagram video shared by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also worked as her head of security. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver said.

Her death came after months of health problems that forced her to cancel a number of public appearances and left fans concerned about her wellbeing.

Nothing Political

Parton also maintained her longstanding distance from partisan politics as Trump rose to prominence, despite pressure from critics and the media to reveal where she stood politically. In 2016, she clarified that she had not endorsed either Trump or Hillary Clinton after comments praising Clinton’s qualifications were interpreted as an endorsement.

She remained neutral during the 2020 presidential election and again declined to endorse either side when Trump faced Kamala Harris four years later.

Parton largely kept her distance from the White House and avoided public events with sitting presidents, regardless of party.

Her most recent known appearance with a sitting president was in December 2006, when George W. Bush hosted her at the White House ahead of the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony honoring her.

She was more openly supportive of Barack Obama during the early years of his presidency. In a 2009 interview with Larry King, Parton said Obama was “going to be a great president” and urged Americans to “get behind him, pray for him, support him, and hope for the best.”