Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
United States President Donald Trump has ordered American flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week in honour of country music icon Dolly Parton, who was reportedly 80 years old when she died on Tuesday.
Trump announced the directive in a statement posted on his Truth Social account and later shared by the White House on X.
“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,” Trump said.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for one week beginning tonight at 6:00 PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Recall that Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on Instagram, where he expressed both pride in her life and sadness over her death.
Parton, widely known as the “Queen of Country”, built a career spanning more than six decades after rising from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the most influential figures in American entertainment.
She sold more than 100 million records globally and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”.
The latter became one of her most recognisable compositions and was later transformed into a global hit by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton also established herself as an actress, starring in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.
Parton’s death comes 17 months after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966. Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82, bringing an end to their nearly six-decade marriage.
