President Donald Trump has called for all national flags throughout the country to be flown at half-mast following the death of Country music icon Dolly Parton, who passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25.
Parton’s death comes less than 18 months following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who died at the age of 82 last year.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said there has never been anyone like Parton.
“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,” he said.
Parton, one of the most recognisable figures in country music, died surrounded by a legacy that spanned generations of music lovers, performers and songwriters.
The announcement was made on an Instagram video by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who said Parton had personally asked him years ago to deliver the news when the time came.
“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,” Seaver said.
He described the moment as one filled with both pride and profound sadness, while emphasising that he believed Parton herself was at peace.
“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 said.
A life that opened doors
Parton rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally celebrated singer, songwriter and entertainer, building a career that lasted decades.
Seaver recalled travelling with Parton as a child in the early 1980s and said she played a significant role in helping her family pursue opportunities they had never imagined.
“Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” he said.
Her influence, he added, extended far beyond her own family.
“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent,” Seaver said.
He credited Parton with inspiring people to believe that their circumstances did not have to define their futures.
“By her example, we believe that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the door she opened made and changed history,” he said.
A global icon
Parton’s music became a constant presence in the lives of millions, with her songs reaching audiences through records, television, CDs and, later, digital streaming platforms.
Seaver said her relationship with the public had become almost familial.
“She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not,” he said.
He said the family and the team entrusted with Parton’s legacy would work to preserve her memory and contribution to music.
“Our family and the team she have entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” Seaver said.
From farm girl to global star
Despite her extraordinary success, Parton remained closely connected to her roots.
Seaver reflected on her upbringing and her relationship with her father, saying she had always carried her family’s values with her.
“Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness,” he said.
In a final poignant reflection, Seaver recalled Parton’s wish to rest comfortably after a lifetime spent performing in elaborate outfits.
“Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest,” he said.
Seaver ended the announcement with a farewell to the woman he knew as a family member rather than simply a global star.
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton,” he said.
Tributes
Parton’s god-daughter, Miley Cyrus shared a touching tribute to the singer on social media.
“So many evil people in this world and we had to lose a pure heart like Dolly Parton. Devastating day for humanity,” Cyrus said.
US Senator Bernie Sanders recalled Parton as “one of the great entertainers of our era.
“She was not only a talented musician and songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief. Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed,” he shared on X.
“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her,” shared American actor and playwright Colman Domingo.
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