Trump Orders American Flags Lowered to Half-Staff for One Week to Honor Dolly Parton
President Trump ordered American flags across the country lowered to half-staff Tuesday following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, paying tribute to the beloved singer as an irreplaceable American icon.
Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80. Her death immediately prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, musicians, entertainers and millions of fans who grew up with her music during a career spanning more than six decades.
Trump responded with an emotional tribute, describing Parton as “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.” He called her passing a tremendous loss and said there had never been anyone quite like her.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote. He concluded his message by declaring, “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Trump followed his tribute with an official presidential proclamation directing the American flag to be flown at half-staff at the White House, federal buildings and grounds, military installations, naval stations and federal vessels throughout the United States and its territories.
The order extends overseas as well. American flags at U.S. embassies, consulates, diplomatic facilities and military installations around the world are also being lowered in Parton’s honor. The proclamation remains in effect until sunset on Sept. 1.
The nationwide tribute reflects Parton’s unusual ability to transcend the worlds of entertainment, business and philanthropy. Born into poverty in rural Tennessee, she became one of the most successful country performers of all time while maintaining the Appalachian identity that shaped her childhood.
Her catalog included enduring hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beyond performing, Parton became one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters and eventually built an entertainment and business empire centered partly around Dollywood in her native Tennessee.
Her charitable work became nearly as recognizable as her music. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library distributed books to millions of children, while Parton contributed extensively to education, disaster relief, medical research and communities throughout Tennessee and beyond.
Parton generally attempted to remain outside partisan political battles despite being courted and praised by politicians from both parties. During Trump’s first administration, she was twice offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom but declined because of circumstances involving her husband’s health and the COVID-19 pandemic. She later declined another offer during the Biden administration.
Her death generated tributes from across the political spectrum, including Tennessee Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty. Blackburn described Parton as an iconic leader whose passing left a void that could never be filled, while Hagerty praised her accomplishments as an entertainer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Trump’s decision now gives Parton one of the nation’s highest public honors following her death. Until Sept. 1, American flags at government and military facilities across the country and around the world will remain at half-staff in remembrance of a Tennessee girl who became one of America’s most enduring cultural icons.