President Donald Trump has ordered American flags across the United States to be lowered to half-mast for a week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died aged 80 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Trump announced the tribute shortly after Parton’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday, saying the flags would remain lowered from 6pm that evening for seven days in memory of the singer whose career spanned seven decades.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
He added: “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM.”
Trump ended his message with: “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday afternoon.
Seaver said the announcement was being made at Parton’s request and explained that she had asked him years ago to record a message for release after her death. He had served as the singer’s head of security for more than two decades.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago,” Seaver said.
He described the loss as a moment of sadness for those who remain, adding: “Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely.”
The family said Parton died peacefully in Nashville and described her as a “Global icon and humanitarian” whose work extended well beyond music.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
“Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).”
The family also paid tribute to the qualities that shaped Parton’s public image, saying her music, humour, warmth and kindness had touched several generations.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
From a Tennessee cabin to global fame
Parton’s journey began in 1946 in Tennessee, where she was born into a poor farming family living in a one-bedroom cabin along the Little Pigeon River.
She was the fourth of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee. Her father worked as a tobacco farmer, while her mother played an early role in shaping Parton’s love for music.
When Parton was born, her father reportedly paid a missionary who helped deliver her with a sack of cornmeal.
Music was already part of the household. Her mother regularly sang folk songs, while an aunt played guitar and wrote songs, helping expose the young Parton to music and songwriting.
An uncle also played guitar during some of her first performances and helped nurture the talent that would later make her a global star.
Parton began singing at her local church when she was six, with her grandfather serving as pastor. Her ability was soon noticed, and she started appearing on a local television station before reaching her teenage years.
At 13, she made her appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, one of the biggest stages in country music.
That performance marked an early step in a career that would take her from rural Tennessee to international fame.
A seven-decade career
Parton built her reputation through songs inspired by life, family, love and personal experiences. She became celebrated both for her distinctive voice and her ability to write songs that connected with audiences across generations.
Her best-known works include “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”, songs that helped establish her as one of country music’s most recognisable figures.
Over seven decades, her career expanded beyond singing and songwriting. She also worked as an actress, author and playwright, while becoming a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.
Her appearance became part of her identity, with colourful clothes, wigs, high heels and rhinestone outfits helping create the image associated with Dolly Parton.
Her humour and warmth also helped her build a strong connection with fans.
Away from entertainment, Parton became known for supporting causes she cared about and using her success to help other people. Her family said that her charitable work would remain an important part of her legacy.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
Parton’s personal life was also marked by a long marriage to Carl Thomas Dean, whom she was married to for 59 years before his death in 2025.
Her parents, Avie Lee Caroline Owens and Robert Lee Parton Sr., also died before her.
The family said Parton’s rise from poverty to international fame was shaped by love, determination and resilience.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience.”
While her death closes a remarkable chapter in country music, her songs and charitable work are expected to remain central to how she is remembered.
“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
From singing in church at six to performing at the Grand Ole Opry at 13, Parton’s early years set the stage for a career that reached far beyond the Tennessee community where it began.
Her life started in a modest cabin beside the Little Pigeon River but grew into a story that reached millions of people around the world.