Donald Trump orders that flags be flown at half-mast across the US for a week in honour of Dolly Parton
US President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the United States for a full week in tribute to Dolly Parton, following the announcement of her death on 25 August 2026. The 80-year-old singer and philanthropist died after what her team described as "a brief battle with cancer", prompting tributes from figures including Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Barack Obama and Beyonce.
Trump praised Parton on Truth Social as "one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER", saying her death was "a true loss" for millions worldwide, and ordered the flags lowered from 6pm on the day of her death. Parton had recently spoken about health issues she had neglected while caring for her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died last year; throughout her career she largely avoided political commentary, having twice turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom and raised money for causes including her Imagination Library, Hurricane Helene relief and Covid-19 vaccinations.
- Trump orders US flags flown at half-mast for a week for Dolly Parton
- Parton, 80, died after a brief battle with cancer
- Tributes poured in from Taylor Swift, Elton John, Obama and others
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Dolly Parton was an American singer, songwriter and actor, best known for country music and songs such as Jolene and 9 to 5. She also built a public profile through philanthropy, including a book-gifting programme for children called the Imagination Library.
The US president can order flags at federal buildings to be flown at half-mast to mark a death or other significant event. Parton’s long career and charitable work made her widely known beyond country music, while she generally kept out of political debate.