US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton following her death at 80, describing her passing as a major loss to American culture and ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff in her honour.
Trump spoke warmly about Parton during a radio interview with conservative commentator Glenn Beck on August 26, describing her as a unique and remarkable person.
The president said Parton’s death felt like losing someone close to the family, recalling that he knew her personally and had great affection for her.
Trump also highlighted Parton’s ability to maintain a broad fan base across the political divide. He noted that the singer generally avoided partisan politics, saying her approach helped her appeal to people with different political views.
The president said Parton was careful about her public image and suggested that her decision to remain largely outside politics had helped preserve her popularity.
Following news of Parton’s death on August 25, Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States for one week. Under the presidential proclamation, the flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026, including at federal buildings, military facilities and US diplomatic posts abroad.
From Poverty to Global Stardom
Born into poverty in rural East Tennessee, Parton rose to become one of the most successful and influential figures in country music.
Her career, which spanned nearly six decades, produced some of the genre’s most recognisable songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.”
Beyond music, Parton was widely celebrated for her philanthropy and commitment to children’s literacy.
Her Imagination Library initiative, established to provide free books to children, has distributed more than 300 million books and became one of her most enduring contributions outside the entertainment industry.
Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer. Her representatives confirmed that she had been receiving treatment but did not disclose the type of cancer.
Her death has prompted tributes from across the political and cultural spectrum, reflecting the unusually broad appeal she maintained throughout her career.
Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond country music, encompassing songwriting, film, business, philanthropy and decades of charitable work.