Trump Orders US Flags Lowered for a Week After Dolly Parton's Death at 80: 'The World Loves You!'

US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff across the United States following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton at the age of 80.

Trump announced the tribute on Tuesday, describing Parton's death as a 'true loss for millions of people' and declaring that flags would remain lowered for one week.

Trump Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump hailed Parton as 'one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER'.

'There has never been anyone like her, and never will,' the president wrote.

Trump said the national tribute would begin at 6pm on Tuesday, 25 August.

'In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM,' he said.

He concluded his message: 'Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.'

The announcement came after Parton's family confirmed her death on Tuesday. Her nephew, Brian Seaver, shared the news on Instagram, writing that the moment brought both 'absolute pride and great sadness'.

Why Are Flags Lowered to Half-Staff?

Lowering the American flag to half-staff is traditionally used as a mark of respect or national mourning.

Presidents can order flags lowered following the death of prominent figures or in response to national tragedies. There are also designated occasions when the flag is flown at half-staff, including Patriot Day on 11 September.

Trump's order means Parton will receive a rare national tribute recognising an influence that stretched far beyond country music.

From Tennessee Poverty to Global Stardom

Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton grew up in a one-room cabin as one of 12 children. She began singing in church before appearing on local television as a child and performing at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry aged 13.

After moving to Nashville following high school, she established herself as a songwriter before becoming one of country music's most recognisable performers.

Her catalogue included classics such as 'Jolene', '9 to 5' and 'I Will Always Love You'. She achieved 25 No 1 singles on the US country chart and successfully crossed into film and mainstream pop culture.

Parton also appeared in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

A Legacy Beyond Country Music

Away from entertainment, Parton became known for her philanthropy.

Her Imagination Library programme, launched in 1995, grew from a local Tennessee initiative into an international literacy project distributing books to children in countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland.

Parton also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 to support coronavirus research, funding that contributed to research connected with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

She was also closely associated with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that became one of the state's best-known tourist attractions and supported employment and charitable projects in her home region.

Parton had faced health issues in the months before her death. In May 2026, she cancelled her planned Las Vegas residency because of health concerns.

Trump's decision to lower flags for a week now places the country singer among the prominent Americans whose deaths have been marked with an official national gesture of mourning.