Trump Orders U.S. Flags Lowered for Dolly Parton: “There Has Never Been Anyone Like Her”

 

I

Trump Orders U.S. Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Dolly Parton

Following the heartbreaking death of country music legend Dolly Parton, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff across the country for one week in her honor.

Parton, who died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, was remembered by Trump as one of the greatest country singers of all time. In his statement, the president described her passing as “a true loss for millions” and said there had “never been anyone like her, and never will.”

The president’s order directed flags at the White House, federal buildings and grounds, military installations, naval stations and vessels throughout the United States and its territories to remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026. The same tribute was extended to U.S. diplomatic facilities and military installations overseas. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(The White House)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":1021,"end_idx":1052,"safe_urls":["https://ew.com/trump-orders-flags-flown-at-half-staff-after-dolly-parton-death-12068073","https://ew.com/trump-orders-flags-flown-at-half-staff-after-dolly-parton-death-12068073?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/honoring-the-memory-of-dolly-parton/","https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/honoring-the-memory-of-dolly-parton/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(The White House)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","style":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"Honoring the Memory of Dolly Parton","url":"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/honoring-the-memory-of-dolly-parton/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"The White House","pub_date":1787690523,"snippet":"Aug 25, 2026 — ... September 1, 2026 . I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half ‑ staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations ... Read more","thumbnail_url":"https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-1/sb7y-U-uJSk0I6OhpyaWqEfJQO-jB9RxnXwy1ULQ7m0hCPFvy4cdGJRqQljA3zTzmtfDDf00-JpBmUrxHhy2JX1L_G9NTnrXWcbAFkE6uGGregUEanVDi1dHrRdtm9_Ec260pjoQPwE5zX4W-OxuCBGfujDMsJQXf2LX2-cIno8","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[{"title":"Trump orders flags to be lowered in honor of Dolly Parton: 'There has never been anyone like her, and never will'","url":"https://ew.com/trump-orders-flags-flown-at-half-staff-after-dolly-parton-death-12068073?utm_source=chatgpt.com","pub_date":null,"snippet":"Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, has died at the age of 80. Her passing was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and later by her representatives. President Donald Trump honored her memory by ordering all American flags to be lowered to half-staff for one week starting at 6:00 PM Tuesday, calling her "one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER." Parton’s career spanned seven decades encompassing music, film, television, business, and philanthropy. Known for beloved hits such as "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You," she was cherished by fans across political lines. Notably nonpolitical, she declined to involve herself in presidential politics and turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom offered by both Trump and later by Joe Biden, citing personal reasons and political neutrality. Parton's recent health issues were noted shortly before her death, though her specific cause of death remains undisclosed. Remembered for her wit, warmth, and compassion, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations through her timeless music and philanthropic efforts.","thumbnail_url":"https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-1/q5teYDwDO85umUkWQdoER0poqVYfFWQPwexYjpAKIEhhZ9aJQtJdF1dEw-GRwB57pz9vIgH3t7orKVyv3f7uS6JekIipShl24gDf-x86HuxJ2jTATLiRDPHZ9lxpMW8WMafF6CmBfhaaKkSlACia2zrqCkfwk19BK2trph7B5xhY61HhnfIAm0ZwCJ4DQKu2gkYh6a1_lfSDyekOJc17zRHcU-wxWstWIVHnjXWGhq3C3ENxnDUMIW2lAZZG2vSsmggxxcCimX5zmbsI1juOeA","attribution":"EW.com"}],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":1},{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"news","ref_index":23}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"error":null,"status":"done"},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Parton’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, musicians and public figures around the world. Her seven-decade career made her one of the most recognizable figures in American music, while her philanthropic work — particularly through the Imagination Library — touched millions of lives.

Trump’s tribute highlighted the extraordinary cultural impact of the Tennessee-born singer, whose music reached audiences far beyond country music. Her legacy includes iconic songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as decades of charitable work.

The week-long lowering of the national flag stands as a rare presidential tribute to a cultural figure and reflects the enormous impact Parton had on American life. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(San Francisco Chronicle)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":1800,"end_idx":1830,"safe_urls":["https://ew.com/trump-tribute-dolly-parton-last-longer-than-charlie-kirk-pope-francis-12069296","https://ew.com/trump-tribute-dolly-parton-last-longer-than-charlie-kirk-pope-francis-12069296?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/trump-flags-half-staff-dolly-parton-22403481.php","https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/trump-flags-half-staff-dolly-parton-22403481.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(San Francisco Chronicle)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","style":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"Dolly Parton tributes pour in as flags are lowered nationwide: 'The world feels a lot less sparkly'","url":"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/trump-flags-half-staff-dolly-parton-22403481.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"San Francisco Chronicle","pub_date":1787692239,"snippet":"Following the passing of beloved entertainer Dolly Parton at the age of 80, tributes poured in from across the world, including celebrities, political leaders, and fans alike. Her seven-decade career spanned music, film, and philanthropy, making her a universally admired cultural icon. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff nationwide for one week, calling her one of the greatest country singers ever. Fellow artists like Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, and Paul McCartney praised her talent, generosity, and spirit. Political figures such as Bernie Sanders and Gavin Newsom honored her advocacy for education, health care, and LGBTQ+ rights. Parton's philanthropic efforts, notably through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, brought literacy and hope to countless children. Despite avoiding partisan politics, she addressed societal issues through her art, including the song "World on Fire" criticizing dysfunction in politics. Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee, closed temporarily in her honor but pledged to continue her legacy with joy and music. Parton's impact, both in entertainment and humanitarian efforts, solidifies her place as an enduring icon whose legacy will continue to shine for generations.","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[{"title":"Donald Trump's tribute for Dolly Parton will last longer than ones for Charlie Kirk and Pope Francis","url":"https://ew.com/trump-tribute-dolly-parton-last-longer-than-charlie-kirk-pope-francis-12069296?utm_source=chatgpt.com","pub_date":null,"snippet":"President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff for one week to honor the late Dolly Parton, marking a longer tribute than those given to Pope Francis, Charlie Kirk, or Senator Lindsey Graham. Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. The singer had been hospitalized four days prior to her death. In a statement, Trump called Parton "one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond" and expressed national and global mourning. Parton, known for her seven-decade career, left a lasting legacy through her music, philanthropy, and compassion. Her initiatives, such as the Imagination Library and funding for vaccine research, have made a significant global impact. Tributes highlighted her warmth, wit, and dedication to spreading joy and kindness. The official mourning period will extend across all U.S. public and military institutions, as well as American embassies and consular offices worldwide.","thumbnail_url":"https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-1/WRTz9GFjGRRu_sPl3Yzj6HKuruN5nTQJW69yrx88xZfHg5vf7LGnAuO8EnkSBNP4HTq9kyvXHOLKZwdgc2RfuNTFJMkotGLVFq8J5wobrEsR4OSn_kJtu49yPdNnbMODadFRekv9Q9wHA3KTIha4LRUt7wNVMdreS8k42iWS8-71Yvjd_mUMaoJkVwrxf97eJ1Lf7ZdNzWzR1JGoaJHUaCsh7GHg6jj645U4_rtrP0bEvgBSTE_-137tQq-gIA24JSSMScjtogwvcvgQIA66ew","attribution":"EW.com"}],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"news","ref_index":14},{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"news","ref_index":18}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"error":null,"status":"done"},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Read the full presidential proclamation and learn more about the national tribute to Dolly Parton below.