‘The World Loves You’: Trump Orders Flags To Half-Staff For Dolly Parton

President Donald Trump ordered American flags flown at half-staff nationwide for one week beginning Tuesday evening in honor of country music icon Dolly Parton. 

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“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,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

“In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM,” he continued. “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

Parton, whose sky-high blonde wigs, razor-sharp wit, and unmistakable voice made her one of the most recognizable figures in American entertainment, died Tuesday. She was 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death in an Instagram video.

“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus,” Seaver said.

Parton’s death follows a period of health concerns. Fans were alarmed in September 2025 when she postponed a scheduled six-night Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. True to form, Parton eased the disappointment with humor, joking that she needed a “100,000-mile check-up” — and clarifying that it didn’t involve her plastic surgeon.

Born into poverty in a one-room cabin on Locust Ridge, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of the biggest stars in the world without abandoning the Tennessee roots that shaped her.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), the frontrunner to become the state’s next governor, said Parton’s life and career will always be intertwined with their home state.

“Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history. Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come,” Blackburn said.

“Tennessee will forever be grateful for Dolly.”

Parton’s autobiographical song “Coat of Many Colors” drew from her childhood, recounting how her mother sewed her a jacket from scraps of fabric. She recorded her first single, “Puppy Love,” at 13 and headed for Nashville the morning after graduating high school in 1964, carrying her belongings in paper grocery bags.

“She was an incredible East Tennessean who served as an inspiration to little girls everywhere,” Rep. Tim Burchett said. “Dolly never changed her accent or forgot where she came from.”

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Parton became a songwriting powerhouse whose influence transcended country music. “I Will Always Love You” topped the country charts twice for Parton before reaching global heights in 1992, when Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition became the signature song of “The Bodyguard.”

Her success also crossed into Hollywood, where she starred in films including “9 to 5,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Steel Magnolias.” She also wrote the iconic theme song for “9 to 5,” further cementing her status as a crossover star.

Parton turned a country music career into an economic empire, building one of America’s most recognizable brands. Her beloved theme park, Dollywood, created thousands of jobs and helped transform the Pigeon Forge area of East Tennessee into a major tourism destination. 

“Dolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state,” Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty said. “She brought laughter and joy to so many through her musical and philanthropic endeavors. She will be deeply, deeply missed.”

Parton’s influence extended well beyond entertainment and business. Though she never had children of her own, she spent decades investing in young people through charitable efforts.

“Through the Dollywood Foundation and her global Imagination Library, Dolly gave free books to children around the world, sparking a lifelong love of reading,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said. “Her legacy will live on in the classrooms and communities she uplifted and the beautiful music she created.”

From a dirt-poor cabin in East Tennessee to the world’s biggest stages, Parton never lost her authenticity and iconic roots — even while commanding the halftime stage and belting out “We Are the Champions” before a packed stadium at the 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show.

Country music star Reba McEntire paid tribute to her lifelong friend, reflecting on their first meeting and final conversation.

“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her,” McEntire said. “I’ll never forget the first time I met you, and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.”

At Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. The family is asking that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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