Trump breaks silence on death of Dolly Parton, 80, as he orders flags at half-mast 'in her honor'

Sign up HERE to our DC Insider newsletter - your guide to what's rocking Washington, rattling the White House and setting tongues wagging on the HillSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 14:44 EDT, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 15:16 EDT, 25 August 2026 Donald Trump paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her death at 80 and ordered American flags lowered nationwide for one week in her honor. 'Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,' the president wrote on Truth Social.Trump called her death a profound loss for millions, and announced that flags would be lowered beginning Tuesday evening. 'There has never been anyone like her, and never will,' Trump added. 'Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.'Parton, the legendary queen of country music, leaves behind a towering musical legacy and legions of grieving fans. Trump had long praised Parton and his administration twice offered her the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his first term.She declined the first offer because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill and turned down the second because she did not want to travel during the COVID pandemic.Parton's true political views were never clear because she avoided discussing politics throughout her career even as America's partisan divisions deepened. Trump called her death a profound loss for millions, and announced that flags would be lowered beginning Tuesday evening Trump ordered flags to be lowered across the nation to honor Parton Parton, the legendary queen of country music, leaves behind a towering musical legacy and legions of grieving fans Her passing came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fueling fan fears for her wellbeingParton's home-state senators also paid tribute, with Marsha Blackburn saying there were 'no words to adequately express the sorrow' felt by her family and Tennesseans and declaring: 'Dolly, we will always love you.'Bill Hagerty said he and his wife, Chrissy, were 'deeply saddened' by the loss of a 'dear friend' and 'entrepreneurial juggernaut' who helped transform Tennessee while bringing joy to millions through her music and philanthropy.The legendary country singer's death was confirmed today in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security.'This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,' Seaver revealed.Her passing came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fueling fan fears for her wellbeing.Parton's determination to remain above partisan politics continued throughout Trump's rise despite pressure from media critics to declare where she stood.She clarified in 2016 that she had endorsed neither Trump nor Hillary Clinton after her praise of Clinton's qualifications was mistaken for an endorsement.Parton again refused to take sides during the 2020 election and stayed out of Trump's race against Kamala Harris four years later. Parton's determination to remain above partisan politics continued throughout Trump's rise despite pressure from media critics to declare where she stood Parton's last known public appearance with a sitting president came in December 2006 with George W. Bush at the White HouseParton generally avoided White House events and kept her distance from sitting politicians, regardless of party.Her last known public appearance with a sitting president came in December 2006, when George W. Bush welcomed her to the White House before she was celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors. Parton, however, was openly enthusiastic about Barack Obama early in his presidency, telling Larry King in 2009 that he was 'going to be a great president' and urging Americans to 'get behind him, pray for him, support him, and hope for the best.'