Donald Trump has ordered that flags across the US be flown at half-mast for a full week in honour of the late Dolly Parton.
READ MORE: Dolly Parton, 1946-2026: the Queen of Country was a unifying force in a divided world
The death of the music icon and philanthropist was announced yesterday (Tuesday August 25). In the update, the singer’s team shared that the 80-year-old died following “a brief battle with cancer”.
The ‘Jolene’ singer had spoken publicly about her health in recent months, and in an update published last week opened up about dealing with issues she had neglected while caring for her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, before his death last year.
Countless tributes have poured in for the ‘Jolene’ singer since the news broke, including from Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Oprah, Barbra Streisand, Jack White, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Kelly Clarkson, Debbie Harry, Shania Twain, Barack Obama, Beyonce and more.
Donald Trump has also paid his respects, and ordered that, for a full week, flags be flown at half-mast across the US in Parton’s memory.
Taking to Truth Social, he said that Parton was “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER” and her passing came as “a true loss” for millions around the world.
He continued: “There has never been anyone like her, and never will. 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.”
Throughout her career, Parton frequently declined to weigh in too heavily on politics or criticise those in office. In 2016, she declined to go into detail as to whether she was backing Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump in their presidential campaigns.
“I think no matter if it’s Hillary or Donald Trump, we’re gonna be plagued with PMS either way — presidential mood swings!” she told The New York Times, quipping that they were “both nuts”. “But I personally think a woman would do a great job. I think Hillary’s very qualified. So if she gets it, I’ll certainly be behind her.”
Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the… pic.twitter.com/WICghhk73d
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 25, 2026
Two years later, she declined to share her views on Trump during a Nightline interview, saying: “I’m not in politics; I’m an entertainer…I have a lot of fans out there, and I don’t want to offend anybody”.
In 2021, she revealed that she turned down two offers to be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her charity work as she didn’t want to get too caught up in the political connotations with the award. Her charity work over the years included her Imagination Library which helped provide 300 million books to children around the world, and also her donating money to those affected by Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, and helping to fund vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, she also quipped that she had no interest in becoming the next US President, claiming that there have already been “enough boobs in the White House”.
In an NME obituary for Parton, Jordan Bassett wrote: “As we all reel from Dolly Parton’s death, that glorious 2014 Glastonbury set may prove a balm. Introducing ‘Coat Of Many Colors’, her 1971 country hit about a patchwork coat sewn by her mother, this humble ‘farmer’s daughter’ paid tribute to her family’s love and resilience. Resplendent in her rhinestone suit, she embodied both qualities as a unifying icon. The world has become more divided since that set, but everyone will always love Dolly.”
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