US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff across the country for one week following the death of country music icon Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
Parton’s family announced her death on Tuesday, prompting tributes from fans, musicians and public figures around the world.
Trump, in a statement shared on Truth Social, described Parton as one of the greatest country singers of all time and said her death represented a major loss to millions of people.
The president declared a period of national mourning beginning Tuesday evening at 6pm, directing that the American flag be lowered throughout the United States for seven days.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Trump added that the world loved Parton and concluded his tribute by wishing the late singer peace.
Six Decades of Music
Parton was widely regarded as the “Queen of Country Music”, with a career spanning about six decades.
She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote at least 3,000 songs, including some of the most recognisable tracks in music history such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
The latter became an international phenomenon after Whitney Houston recorded her version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Before becoming a global superstar, Parton grew up in difficult circumstances as the fourth of 12 children in a poor farming family living in a one-bedroom cabin in rural Tennessee.
Her early exposure to music came from her mother’s folk songs and an aunt who played guitar and wrote songs.
Parton began singing in her local church at just six years old, where her grandfather served as pastor.
Health Concerns Before Her Death
Earlier in May, Parton had cancelled a series of concerts scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, citing ongoing health concerns.
She later said in a social media post that she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness.
Her death has since triggered widespread tributes to a performer whose influence extended beyond music into film, business and philanthropy.
Parton’s legacy includes not only her enormous catalogue of songs but also her role in shaping country music and inspiring generations of artists.
Source: Donald Trump
