U.S. President Donald Trump mourned the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, calling it a ‘true loss for millions of people’, and ordered American flags to be lowered nationwide for one week.
Trump announced the directive in a post on Truth Social, which the White House later shared on X.
‘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,’ he wrote.
‘There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6:00 PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP,’ he added.
The tribute came hours after Parton’s death was confirmed at age 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news on Instagram.
Parton rose from humble beginnings in a two-room log cabin in Tennessee, where she was born on January 19, 1946, the fourth of 12 children.
She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville after high school in 1964.
She released her debut album ‘Hello, I’m Dolly’ in 1967 and went on to a career spanning more than six decades.
With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, she became known as the ‘Queen of Country’.
Her songbook included more than 3,000 songs. Hits like ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’ became global standards. She won 11 Grammy Awards.
Parton also acted in films including ‘9 to 5’, ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’, ‘Steel Magnolias’, and ‘Joyful Noise’.
Beyond entertainment, she built a business empire that included TV specials, food products, and Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park she invested in and renamed in 1986.
She was widely recognised for her philanthropy, especially through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children to promote literacy.
Parton died peacefully at her Nashville home, according to the family.
Flags will remain at half-staff through next Tuesday at 6:00 PM.