Dolly Parton Dead: Trump Orders Flags Fly Half-Staff for One Week
Dolly Parton Dead: Trump Orders Flags Fly Half-Staff for One Week
Gabrielle Chung Wed, August 26, 2026 at 2:35 AM UTC
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Originally appeared on E! Online
President Donald Trump is paying his respects to Dolly Parton.
In the wake of the country music legend's death at age 80, Trump ordered all American flags in the United States be lowered to half-staff for one week starting at 6 p.m. local time Aug. 25.
"Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away," the commander-in-chief wrote on Truth Social. "This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
Trump, also 80, added, "Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Parton's death was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who shared the news in an Aug. 25 video he said was "something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality."
"It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness," he continued. "But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus."
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Sharing that Parton was "surely met" by her late husband Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at 82, Seaver went on to praise the "9 to 5" singer for inspiring "generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent."
"By her example, we believed that anything was possible," he said. "She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and the doors she opened made and changed history."
Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Joining her family in mourning has been many of her fans, friends and those who followed in her footsteps, like Kelsea Ballerini.
“My East Tennessee angel,” the “Cowboys Cry Too” singer wrote on her Instagram stories. “Thank you for every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world. We will always love you Dolly."
A cause of death was not disclosed, though Parton faced what she described as "health challenges" in her final months.
"My doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures," she shared on Instagram in September. "As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it's not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"
To see how others are honoring Parton after her death, read on.
Beyoncé
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious," Beyoncé wrote on her website Aug. 25. "You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship."She's espcially grateful they could work on a version of "Jolene" for Beyoncé's Grammy-winning albumCowboy Carter."I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you," she continued. "I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”Oprah Winfrey
“One of my fondest memories with @dollyparton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearingBob Mackiegowns on her show Dolly,” the TV icon posted to Instagram. “This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn’t.“No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here,” Winfrey continued. “God bless you, Dolly—you earned your wings.”Jane Fonda
Parton’s9 to 5costar shared a heartfelt message for the singer and actress, writing in part, “I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood,'9to5,'the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.”“To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit,” she added. “But first, watch the final episode ofGrace and Frankiewhere she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.”Fonda concluded, “RIP,beautiful woman. We love you."Reba McEntire
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” the country singer began in her tribute to Parton. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth.”“Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you,” she added alongside several photos of the two. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly.”McEntire continued, “She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”Reese Witherspoon
“I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend. When I was playingJune Carter CashinWalk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music,” the Oscar winner recalled. “Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller. Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: ‘I will always love you.’”“Dolly, I miss you already,” she wrote. “Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels…. We will always love you.”Sally Field
Parton’sSteel Magnoliascostar posted a throwback photo of the cast to Instagram, writing in the caption, “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”Cyndi Lauper
“It’s hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly,” the Grammy winner began. “Dolly’s heart was as big as her talent. She was not only a great singer/song writer/actress/TV star, Dolly also lived her art. She used her art, her fame and her money to help so many people. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself,'What wouldDollydo?' Shewas a great role model for all of us. I hope she is in a place with Carl, her Mom and Dad and all her loved ones who’ve passed. She will be so missed. Rest in Peace Dolly.”Barbra Streisand
“So sorry to hear about Dolly - she was a true force of nature,” theFunny Girlactress shared. “May she rest in peace.”Paul McCartney
“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career,” theBeatlesalum remembered. “She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed. Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.”McCartney continued, “There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.”“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the wholeworld,” he added. "We willalways love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”Sabrina Carpenter
"The only thing i could say after we first met was 'she really is an angel walking the earth' and 'we look like we could be sisters!'" she raved. "I will cherish our laughter and conversations and i will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days. there will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart. your light will be something the world will search forever to find again."Keith Urban
“Hearbroken today. Dolly Parton,” the “Somebody Like You” singer posted to Instagram Stories. “Honestly....I have no words right now.”Kelly Clarkson
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” the “Because of You” singer lamented on X. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”Julia Roberts
“Dolly was a magical and joyous human,” Roberts shared of herSteel Magnoliascostar in a statement toVariety. “I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today,” the country singer wrote on X. “I only got to spend any real time with Dolly whenGwen [Stefani]and I got to work with her onThe Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”Luke Bryan
From one country star to another, he wrote, "Her light, being a strong Tennessee woman, songwriting, charisma, wittiness, and the ability to make fun of herself and the ability to inspire the world is what I think about when I think of Dolly. When you live your life and people can recognize you by one name, Dolly, I think that says it all. Rest in peace Dolly."Tim McGraw
"She was an icon and showed us all what was possible, not only as a human but as an entertainer," he shared on Instagram. "She was the blueprint, head and shoulders above anyone that came before her and all those of us that have come after. Everything she did, she did it with kindness, grace and that famous wit and smile. It’s been hard to not be in tears all day. There will never be another Dolly Parton."Khloe Kardashian
TheKardashiansstar posted a series of tributes to Parton on her Instagram Story, including a look at her Dolly Parton-themed birthday party."Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people,” Kardashian wrote. “A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.”She continued, “To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name... I will never have words big enough for what that means to me. What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly."Noah Kahan
The “Stick Season” singer shared a sweet tribute to Parton on X, writing, “Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all.”Kacey Musgraves
“Dolly. This really really hurts,” the “Rainbow” singer posted to X, adding in a followup, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”“So glad she’s with herCarl Dean,” she continued, referencing Parton's late husband who died in March 2025. “No one talk to me today.”Kathie Lee Gifford
“I am completely devastated by the loss of my precious friend, Dolly. She encouraged me and loved me every day I needed it. That is what I remember most,” the TV personality posted to X. “I wish more people in this world would live like Dolly did. To just be kind and loving and steadfast . I will miss her for the rest of my life.”Shaboozey
“Rest in peace Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you,” the Grammy winner wrote on X. “You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.”Joan Jett
“Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius,” Jett shared on X, recalling the time she and Parton collaborated on the song "I Hate Myself For Loving You" for Parton’s 2023 albumRockstar. “Working with her was one of the highlights of my career.”Gene Simmons
“Very, very sad,” theKISSsinger said of Parton’s passing. “She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her. There will never be another Dolly.”Henry Winkler
“What a sad day for America, what a sad day for the world, what a sad day for the Parton family,” theHappy Daysalum posted to X. “Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
