WASHINGTON D.C, USA – U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff for one week in honour of country music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton, following her death at the age of 80.
Trump issued the proclamation on August 25, 2026, directing the American flag to be lowered at federal buildings, military installations and US diplomatic facilities around the world as a mark of respect for Parton’s memory.
The order will remain in effect until sunset on September 1, 2026, giving Parton an official week-long national tribute.
According to the White House proclamation, the directive covers the White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations and federal naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions.
Trump also extended the order to American diplomatic facilities overseas.
This means US flags will fly at half-staff at embassies, legations, consular offices and other US facilities abroad, including military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
The White House described the move as a mark of respect for Parton’s memory, giving official recognition to the impact she had on American culture.
The proclamation was signed by Trump on August 25, the same day Parton’s death was announced.
Trump also publicly mourned Parton on Truth Social, describing her as one of the greatest country singers and recognising her influence beyond music.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.”
Trump continued by highlighting the uniqueness of Parton’s career.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
He also described her death as a loss for millions of people who followed her career.
“It is a true loss for millions of people.”
The president concluded his tribute with a message to the late singer.
“Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you.”
The comments came as tributes began pouring in from across the entertainment and political worlds following news of Parton’s death.
Parton’s family announced her death on Tuesday, August 25, bringing an end to the career of one of America’s most recognisable entertainers.
She built a global following through a catalogue of country music hits and later expanded her career into acting, television, business and philanthropy.
Her best-known songs include “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” songs that helped establish her as a major figure in American music.
Parton’s influence, however, went far beyond her record sales and awards. She became a prominent philanthropist, with her charitable initiatives focusing particularly on children, education and literacy.
One of Parton’s most important philanthropic achievements was the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which she launched in 1995. The programme provides free books to children and has distributed hundreds of millions of books internationally.
Her philanthropic work also extended to medical research and disaster relief.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support coronavirus research. Her donation was later acknowledged among the funding that helped support research connected to the Moderna vaccine.
Parton also became a successful entrepreneur through Dollywood, the theme park in Tennessee that bears her name. The attraction grew into a major tourism destination and strengthened Parton’s connection to her home state and the Smoky Mountains.
Her business interests, music career and philanthropy combined to make her an unusually influential figure whose reach extended well beyond country music.
For seven days, the lowered flags will serve as a visible national tribute to a woman whose career spanned generations.
