President Trump announces major national honor following Dolly Parton's death

President Donald TrumpTrump has requested all American flags throughout the United States be lowered to half-mast this week, following the passing of Dolly Parton. Among the many tributes came a post from Trump which read: "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 honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."

The decision to lower flags nationally can only be ordered by The President, and it typically happens upon the death of present or former government officials, or in the wake of national tragedies.

Dolly turned down the Presidential Freedom of Honor twice from Trump. She had a long history of supporting gay rights, encouraging reading among children, and funding COVID-19 vaccines, but never publicly spoke about her own politics, even walking back comments about Hillary Clinton in 2016 that she fet were being interpreted as an endorsement.

Tributes pour in

Dolly's death at the age of 80 came after it was revealed she had been suffering from health concerns over the past year which had kept her out of the spotlight for months.

"You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, @DollyParton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family," shared 74-year-old George Strait, while Sir Paul McCartney posted on Instagram a photo of him with Dolly, and said: "The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. 

"She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life, it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.

"Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly."

Maren Morris shared a throwback video of herself and Dolly performing together, writing: "There will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on. She was and is such a light."

Singer Carole King said her "heart was breaking," and actress Jamie Lee Curtis added: "Thank you, Dolly. For all of it."

The Academy also paid tribute to the country star who was also a two-time Oscar nominee and was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award last year for her "extraordinary compassion and generosity."

Singer Dionne Warwick said in a post on X and Instagram: "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy."

Fellow country singer Keith Urban shared: "Heartbroken today. Honestly… I have no words right now."

Announcement

Her family shared the news on social media, with an announcement coming from her nephew Bryan Seaver. "By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the door she opened made and changed history," he shared.

"My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.

He concluded:  "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."

A legacy

Known for her bold fashion, blonde highlights, and raspy voice, Dolly's career began when she was just a child, performing on local radio and TV programs. What followed was a legendary career that spanned Grammy-winning songs, box office hit films, and a legacy of kindness and philanthropy, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has distributed 250 million books globally.  

She is also regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, having composed over 3,000 songs during her lifetime, including "9 to 5," "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You," which achieved massive success when covered by Whitney Houston for The Bodyguard soundtrack.

In 1966, Dolly tied the knot with Carl Dean, who remained firmly out of the spotlight for the duration of their marriage. After nearly six decades of marriage, Carl passed away in early 2025.