Donald Trump is honoring Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death, ordering American flags across the country to be lowered for one week in tribute to her legacy.
The president took to Truth Social Tuesday after news broke that Parton had died at 80, writing, “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Trump said the flag order would begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, directing American flags to be lowered nationwide in honor of Parton. He ended his tribute with a simple message: “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
The presidential tribute comes as condolences pour in for Parton, who died Tuesday after being hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. She had been dealing with health problems in recent months and had spoken publicly about her health just days before her death.
Parton’s head of security, Bryan Seaver, who is also her nephew, announced her death on social media.
Her final months included several disruptions to her schedule. Parton canceled a Las Vegas residency that had been planned for September after previously postponing the shows, and she later canceled a Dollywood appearance after her doctor advised her not to travel while she dealt with dehydration and occasional dizziness.
The tributes quickly became bipartisan.
Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty praised Parton as “talented beyond compare” and highlighted her contributions to music and philanthropy. Sen. Marsha Blackburn also mourned the loss, saying there were no words to adequately express the sorrow felt by Tennesseans.
There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton. An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation. Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you. pic.twitter.com/0TvlT4VxIt
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 25, 2026
Sen. Bernie Sanders similarly remembered Parton for her music, philanthropy and advocacy, describing her as one of the great entertainers of her era.
Parton’s connection to Tennessee ran particularly deep. She was raised in East Tennessee and later created Dollywood in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her Imagination Library also became one of her most enduring philanthropic efforts, providing millions of books to children.
Trump’s tribute carries an added layer of history because Parton had previously declined offers for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She turned down the honor twice during Trump’s first term, citing circumstances surrounding her husband Carl Dean’s declining health, and later declined the same offer from President Joe Biden.
Parton generally avoided partisan political involvement, while publicly supporting causes including LGBTQ+ acceptance and child literacy.
She also once made clear she had no interest in running for president, telling Metro in 2023 that she preferred making a difference through her music and the way she treated people.
For decades, Parton managed to remain one of America’s most recognizable entertainers while building a legacy that stretched from country music and Hollywood to business and philanthropy.
Now, as flags are lowered across the country in her honor, the scale of the tribute reflects just how far Dolly Parton’s influence reached.
