Former President Donald Trump has broken his silence following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, announcing that he has ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide for one week in her honor. Parton died at the age of 80.
Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Parton "one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER." He described her passing as a profound loss for millions and stated that the flags would be lowered beginning Tuesday evening. "There has never been anyone like her, and never will," Trump added. "Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Parton, widely regarded as the "queen of country music," leaves behind a significant musical legacy and a vast fan base. Throughout her career, Parton largely avoided discussing politics, even as the nation's political divisions deepened. Her true political views remained unclear to the public.
During Trump's first term, his administration offered Parton the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice. She declined the first offer due to her husband Carl Dean's illness and the second due to concerns about traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parton's home-state senators also offered tributes. Marsha Blackburn expressed sorrow felt by Parton's family and Tennesseans, stating, "Dolly, we will always love you." Bill Hagerty and his wife Chrissy shared their deep sadness over the loss of a "dear friend" and an "entrepreneurial juggernaut" who enriched Tennessee and brought joy through her music and philanthropy.
The country singer's death was confirmed in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security. Seaver revealed that Parton had asked him years prior to make such a video announcement should the need arise.
Parton's passing followed months of health issues that led her to withdraw from several public appearances, raising concerns among fans about her well-being. She had previously clarified in 2016 that she had not endorsed either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, despite public perception stemming from her praise of Clinton's qualifications. Parton maintained her neutral stance during the 2020 election and did not participate in political endorsements.
Parton generally kept her distance from political events and sitting politicians from both parties. Her last known public appearance with a sitting U.S. president was in December 2006, when George W. Bush welcomed her to the White House for a Kennedy Center Honors celebration. Early in Barack Obama's presidency, Parton expressed optimism, telling Larry King in 2009 that he was "going to be a great president" and encouraging Americans to support him.