President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff for a week following the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday in Nashville at age 80. The order took effect Tuesday evening.
Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, calling Parton one of the greatest country singers ever and saying her passing was a true loss for millions of people. He added that flags would remain lowered at all federal buildings, military bases, embassies, and other government property for the full week.
Parton's death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who serves as her head of security. She had recently spoken publicly about ongoing health concerns after canceling her Las Vegas residency and missing an appearance at Dollywood.
Beyond her decades-spanning music career, Parton was widely known for her philanthropy, including her Imagination Library program, which sends free books to children. Throughout her career, Parton largely avoided political statements, once explaining that taking sides would mean alienating half her audience.
Tributes poured in from both sides of the political aisle, reflecting how deeply Parton's legacy resonated across generations and backgrounds. Her family described her as someone whose warmth and kindness made everyone feel like family.