Donald Trump honors Dolly Parton, says flags will be lowered throughout U.S.
Donald Trump honors Dolly Parton, says flags will be lowered throughout U.S.
Peter Burditt, Nashville TennesseanTue, August 25, 2026 at 7:09 PM UTC
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The widely beloved Dolly Parton has died at age 80, and President Donald Trump has issued an official statement honoring the late "Queen of Country Music."
Parton's death was announced on social media Aug. 25 in a video message from her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
"Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I'm representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean."
"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because, after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and get some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi.
"May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you," Seaver concluded in the video statement.
Shortly after the news broke, Trump took to Truth Social to release his official statement, noting that flags around the country will be lowered to half-staff starting at 6 p.m. The White House quickly reposted Trump's post on X.
Donald Trump's official statement on the death of Dolly Parton
"Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, ever, has just passed away," Trump wrote.
"This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will be. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6:00 p.m.
"Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP," he concluded.
Was Dolly Parton political?
Parton never participated in the political world by endorsing political candidates or supporting parties, as she was never a fan of the divisiveness it entailed.
"I’ve got as many Democrats as I do Republicans as fans, and I’m not going to insult any of them because I care about all of them," Parton told The Guardian in 2023.
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"I ain’t that good a Christian to think that I am so good that I can judge people. That’s God’s job, not mine. So as far as politics, I hate politics. Hate politics."
"It’s just that I see both sides of everything. I think people can change their views on a lot of things if they would open their eyes wide enough, or be willing to accept, 'Well, maybe I’m wrong.'"
Dolly Parton turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice
During a 2021 interview on NBC TODAY, Parton revealed that she was offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice from President Trump, but refused it both times.
Parton was unable to accept the award because her late husband Carl Dean was sick with COVID.
"I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,” Parton told NBC TODAY.
President Joe Biden also talked to Parton about the award, but given her dislike in politics, she was unsure if she wanted to take it.
“Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure,” Parton added.
"I don't work for those awards," she continued. "It'd be nice but I'm not sure that I even deserve it. But it's a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it."
Parton never did receive a President Medal of Freedom from Biden.
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Donald Trump honors Dolly Parton, says flags will be lowered throughout U.S.
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