The world was shaken Tuesday by news that Dolly Parton has died at 80. Now, President Donald Trump has ordered US flags to be lowered in honor of the iconic country music star.
While the singer’s voice may have fallen silent, her musical legacy will live on through the countless beloved songs she gave the world.
Dolly Parton was behind some of country music’s most iconic hits, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” She also wrote and performed “Coat of Many Colors,” the deeply personal song inspired by her humble upbringing.
The beloved American star was a global icon, selling more than 160 million records throughout her career. Her family told People that Parton had been battling cancer, something that had not previously been known to the public.
Now, hours after her death, President Donald Trump has spoken out about the country music legend.
Donald Trump on Dolly Parton’s death
“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,” he wrote on Truth Social.
The president also issued a specific order in Parton’s honor.
“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. President DONALD J. TRUMP,”
Flags will be lowered to half-staff today, August 25, according to a Presidential proclamation.
“As a mark of respect for the memory of Dolly Parton, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, September 1, 2026.
“I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half‑staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations,” the proclamation reads.
Dolly Parton’s political stance
Dolly Parton never revealed where she stood politically
Unlike many other entertainers, Parton was careful to distance herself from politics. Ahead of the 2016 presidential election, when Trump faced Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, Parton said she would remain neutral, according to CBS.
She also reportedly joked to Rolling Stone during the 2016 election that she and Trump had “the same hair.”
According to People, Parton declined invitations to receive medals from both Trump and President Joe Biden.
There was one political issue, however, that she was particularly passionate about: same-sex marriage. She had publicly expressed her support for marriage equality as early as 2009.
“I do not believe that we should criticize and judge other people. I think we should be accepting and loving. We are all God’s children. We are who we are, and we should be allowed to be who we are,” she said in a 2016 interview with Larry King, according to People.
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