Trump orders flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of Dolly Parton

US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton.

Trump made the announcement on Tuesday, August 25, as tributes continued to pour in for Parton, who died in Nashville at the age of 80.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you. President Donald J. Trump.”

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a video shared on social media.

The Tennessee-born singer had a career spanning seven decades and became one of the most influential figures in country music, while also establishing herself as a songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.

Although Parton generally stayed away from political controversies, she had previously disclosed that she turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice during Trump’s first administration.

Speaking to the Today show in 2021, Parton explained her decision, saying: “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,”

She added: “Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure.”

Parton devoted much of her career to charitable causes, including childhood literacy through her Imagination Library programme, which has distributed millions of books to children.

She established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 and later created the Dolly Parton Scholarship for students from her home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

She also supported communities affected by disasters, including donating funds to victims of the devastating East Tennessee wildfires. In 2017, she donated $1 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Parton was recognised across the music industry for her extraordinary career. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recorded 25 No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

She also received 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations.

An official statement released following her death described the impact of her life and career.

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”