President Donald Trump ordered American flags flown at half-staff nationwide for one week in honor of country music icon Dolly Parton, who passed away Tuesday at age 80.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social Tuesday evening, calling Parton “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.”
“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 United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM,” Trump continued. “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death in an Instagram video, saying “sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus.”
The iconic singer had postponed a six-night Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace in September 2025, joking at the time that she needed a “100,000-mile check-up” — clarifying it didn’t involve her plastic surgeon.
Born into poverty in a one-room cabin on Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton never abandoned the roots that shaped her even as she became one of the most recognizable figures in American entertainment.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the frontrunner to become Tennessee’s next governor, said Parton’s legacy will always be intertwined with their home state.
“Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history. Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come,” Blackburn said.
Rep. Tim Burchett called her “an incredible East Tennessean who served as an inspiration to little girls everywhere.”
“Dolly never changed her accent or forgot where she came from,” he said.
Parton’s autobiographical song “Coat of Many Colors” drew from her childhood, recounting how her mother sewed her a jacket from scraps of fabric. She recorded her first single at 13 and headed for Nashville the morning after graduating high school in 1964, carrying her belongings in paper grocery bags.
Her songwriting transcended country music. “I Will Always Love You” topped the country charts twice for Parton before Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition became the signature song of “The Bodyguard.”
Parton starred in films including “9 to 5,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Steel Magnolias.” She also wrote the theme song for “9 to 5,” cementing her status as a crossover star.
She built an economic empire around her brand. Her beloved theme park, Dollywood, created thousands of jobs and helped transform Pigeon Forge into a major tourism destination.
“Dolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state. She brought laughter and joy to so many through her musical and philanthropic endeavors. She will be deeply, deeply missed.”
Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty praised her business acumen alongside her artistry.
Though she never had children of her own, Parton spent decades investing in young people through charitable efforts. Her Dollywood Foundation and global Imagination Library gave free books to children around the world.
“Through the Dollywood Foundation and her global Imagination Library, Dolly gave free books to children around the world, sparking a lifelong love of reading,” Sen. Susan Collins said. “Her legacy will live on in the classrooms and communities she uplifted and the beautiful music she created.”
From a dirt-poor cabin in East Tennessee to the world’s biggest stages, Parton never lost her authenticity — even while commanding the halftime stage and belting out “We Are the Champions” before a packed stadium at the 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show.
Country music star Reba McEntire paid tribute to her lifelong friend.
“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her,” McEntire said. “I’ll never forget the first time I met you, and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.”
At Parton’s request, a small private service will be held for immediate family. The family is asking that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Chuck and I are absolutely heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Dolly Parton.
Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history. Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts…
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) August 25, 2026
Kelly and I are saddened by the news of Dolly’s passing. She was an incredible East Tennessean who served as an inspiration to little girls everywhere. Dolly never changed her accent or forgot where she came from. pic.twitter.com/ClJr1ZyxtU
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) August 25, 2026
