Donald Trump says there ‘will never be anyone like Dolly’ and makes grand gesture

| Senior Live News reporter Published August 25, 2026 8:26pm Updated August 25, 2026 8:42pm Trump has ordered a grand move in honour of Dolly Parton (Picture: EPA / AP) Donald Trump has announced a grand gesture in a tribute to Dolly Parton after the legend’s death aged 80. The US president took to Truth Social to pay tribute to the country music star after her death was revealed in a shocking announcement made by Parton’s nephew. He joined the long list of celebrities honouring the legendary musician behind classics like Jolene and 9 to 5, whose family said in a touching statement that she ‘farmed songs and happiness’. Trump said he will lower the US flag throughout the country for a week, with the mourning period starting tonight at 6pm, presumably at East Coast time. The 80-year-old said: ‘Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. (Picture: Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump) ‘This is a true loss for millions of people. ‘There has never been anyone like her, and never will. ‘In her honour, I’m 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.’ To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Flowers were placed on Dolly Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Picture: AP Photo/George Walker IV) Parton is no stranger to the White House, where she has been pictured before during her career. Parton was invited to the White House by George W.Bush for a Kennedy Center honorees reception in 2006 along with singer and songwriter William ‘Smokey’ Robinson, iconic composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Steven Spielberg and conductor Zubin Mehta. Dolly Parton was the honorary guest at the White House in 2006, invited by then-President George W Bush and First Lady Laura Bush (Picture: Ron Sachs/Shutterstock) The Country Music Hall of Fame honoured Dolly Parton, with the American flag and the state of Tennessee flag in half staff (Picture: Ray Di Pietro/Shutterstock) Though the country icon largely kept her political views private, and has not officially endorsed any presidential candidates. In 2016, she reportedly joked about the possibility of either Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump becoming the next POTUS: ‘I think no matter if it’s Hillary or Donald Trump, we’re gonna be plagued with PMS either way — presidential mood swings!’ In 2021, Parton told NBC’s Today programme that she had turned down two offers of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award by the Trump administration, which is the highest civilian honour in the country. However, the reason had nothing to do with politics, Parton explained. The first time, she was unable to accept because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill, and on the second occasion the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Arrow MORE: Dolly Parton’s heartbreaking confession days before her death: ‘I have more to achieve’ Arrow MORE: Trump wants to change name of Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’ Arrow MORE: Donald Trump reacts to Iran’s threats to kill son Barron