United States President Donald Trump has mourned the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, describing her passing as a “true loss for millions of people.”

Trump also ordered American flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff for one week in honour of the late music icon.

The President announced this in a post on his Truth Social account on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The message was also shared by the White House on its official X account.

Trump wrote that Parton was “one of the greatest Country singers” and said her death would be deeply felt by millions of people.

He added that there had “never been anyone like her” and announced that the American flag would be lowered across the country beginning at 6:00 p.m. in her honour.

Trump’s tribute followed reports that Parton had died at the age of 80.

Dolly Parton Dies at 80

Parton, who rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee, became one of the most influential and successful figures in country music, with a career spanning more than six decades.

She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned the nickname “Queen of Country Music.” Her best-known songs include Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.

The legendary singer-songwriter wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards during her illustrious career.

Beyond music, Parton was also a successful actress, appearing in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.

Born on January 19, 1946, in a two-room log cabin in Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville after graduating from high school in 1964 to pursue her music career.

She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to establish herself as a celebrated solo performer, songwriter and entertainer.

Parton’s Business and Philanthropic LegacyParton also built a successful business empire that included television productions, food products and Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park she acquired an interest in and renamed in 1986.

She was widely respected for her philanthropic work, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy by providing books to children.

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on Instagram on Tuesday.

In a statement mourning her death, Seaver said the family had imagined the weight of the moment but had not truly understood its impact until Parton died.

The death of Dolly Parton has sparked tributes from fans and public figures around the world, as the music industry mourns one of its most recognisable and enduring stars.