United States President Donald Trump has mourned the death of legendary country music singer and songwriter Dolly Parton, describing her passing as a “true loss for millions of people” and ordering American flags across the country to be lowered for one week in her honour.

Trump announced the directive in a post on his Truth Social account on Tuesday, saying the flags would be lowered beginning at 6pm. The White House also shared the president’s message on its official X account. Blueprint reports

The president’s tribute came after the announcement of Parton’s death at the age of 80, bringing to an end the life of one of the most influential and commercially successful figures in American popular culture.

Trump pays tribute to music icon

In his message, Trump described Parton as one of the greatest country singers ever and said her influence extended far beyond music.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people,” he wrote.

“There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you,” Trump added.

The decision to lower the national flag underscored the extraordinary public stature Parton had achieved over a career that lasted more than six decades.

Parton was not only celebrated for her music but also for her work as an actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her career made her a major cultural figure whose influence extended well beyond the country music industry.

From humble beginnings to global fame

Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a two-room log cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children and grew up in a poor family.

Despite her humble beginnings, Parton developed a passion for music at an early age and began performing as a child. Her upbringing later became an important part of the story behind her remarkable rise to international fame.

After graduating from high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of the American country music industry, to pursue her ambition of becoming a professional musician.

Three years later, she released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, marking the beginning of a career that would make her one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world.

Parton went on to establish herself as a prolific songwriter and performer, producing music that appealed not only to country audiences but also to listeners across different genres and generations.

Hits that defined a generation

Throughout her career, Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs and recorded numerous albums, earning widespread critical acclaim and commercial success.

Among her best-known songs are Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, compositions that became enduring classics.

I Will Always Love You gained an even wider international audience when it was recorded by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. Houston’s version became one of the best-selling singles of all time and introduced Parton’s songwriting to millions of new listeners around the world.

Parton’s success was reflected in her numerous awards and honours. She won 11 Grammy Awards and became one of the best-selling recording artists in music history, with more than 100 million records sold globally.

Her ability to combine storytelling, emotional depth and distinctive musical style helped cement her status as the “Queen of Country”.

Successful career beyond music

Although music remained at the centre of her career, Parton also made a significant mark in Hollywood.

She appeared in several successful films, including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.

Her performance in 9 to 5 further strengthened her popularity and helped establish her as an entertainer capable of succeeding across music, film and television.

Parton also became a successful entrepreneur, building a business empire around her name and brand.

Her ventures included television productions, food products and Dollywood, the popular theme park in Tennessee. She acquired an interest in the park and renamed it Dollywood in 1986.

The attraction subsequently became one of Tennessee’s major tourist destinations and an important part of Parton’s legacy in her home state.

Philanthropy and childhood literacy

Parton’s influence also extended to philanthropy, where she became particularly known for her commitment to childhood literacy.

Through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, she supported programmes aimed at encouraging children to read by providing books to young people.

The initiative became one of the most recognised aspects of her charitable work and reflected her longstanding interest in improving opportunities for children.

Her philanthropic activities helped broaden her public image beyond that of a successful entertainer, with many admirers praising her efforts to give back to communities.

Family announces Parton’s death

Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.

Seaver described the moment as one he had anticipated but said the reality of her death was difficult to comprehend.

“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said.

He described the occasion as an honour mixed with “absolute pride and great sadness”, reflecting the emotions surrounding the death of a family member whose public influence extended far beyond her immediate relatives.

Parton’s death is expected to generate tributes from musicians, entertainers, political leaders and fans across the world as they remember a career that helped shape country music and American popular culture.

A lasting American cultural legacy

Parton’s journey from a two-room cabin in Tennessee to international stardom has been widely regarded as one of the most remarkable success stories in American entertainment.

Her music crossed generational and cultural boundaries, while her songwriting influenced generations of performers.

Her work in film, television, business and philanthropy further expanded her legacy, making her a figure whose impact could not be confined to the music industry.

For millions of fans, Parton represented more than a country music star. She became a symbol of perseverance, creativity and generosity, maintaining a distinctive public identity throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years.

Trump’s decision to lower American flags for a week in her honour reflects the scale of her place in American public life and the widespread grief following her death.

As tributes continue to pour in, Parton leaves behind a vast catalogue of music, a successful entertainment and business legacy, and charitable initiatives that are expected to continue influencing lives for years to come.