Country legend Dolly Parton has died age 80 and US President Donald Trump has ordered that the American flag be flown at a lower height for a whole week in her honour
President Donald Trump is “lowering the American flag throughout the United States” as tribute to Dolly Parton. The country singer died on 25 August 2026 age 80, just over a year after her beloved husband Carl.
After the news broke, Donald took to Truth Social to write: “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. 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.”
Dolly’s sudden death comes mere days after she spoke to People about her health. On Friday 21 August they published: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” who was her husband who died in 2025.
She said: “It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health. I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago.”
Dolly had recently cancelled a series of shows and public appearances, informing fans that she had to have “a few procedures”. She had to step back from an event at Dollywood after she was diagnosed with a kidney stone.
The legendary country singer’s family confirmed the sad news of her death on X/Twitter on 25 August with a video of her nephew Brian Seaver. He told the camera: “Hey everyone, my name is Brian 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, sister, sis, aunt granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality, as her head of security for more than two decades-a role my father Larry held before me-I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus. Surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
He continued paying tribute to Dolly’s life, career and achievements before signing off with: “Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, and Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
