Donald Trump Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton Following Her Death

<figure><img alt="Dolly Parton, Donald Trump" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MIT6ZDFI2BAT5DDHNUOB4S46TQ.jpg?auth=f81045b9e4337db93f55ee275b83ac3a77cc41363c376d029e5dc14e63eb027d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1688" /><figcaption>Getty</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her death, praising her as one of the greatest singers and ordering flags to be lowered across the country for a week in her honor.</p><p>“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on August 25, 2026.</p><p>“This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”</p><img alt="President Donald Trump speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 24, 2026. / Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images" height="1083" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/75VJH2PRM5A67BD2VV4WRB5AUY.jpg?auth=154efd32cbe0878ea2a623c4351121bdca8510b5da13c0227c9cc9f8ee2bf2b6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1925&amp;height=1083" width="1925" /><p>Parton died peacefully in Nashville at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, just four days after stating, “I still have so many things I want to achieve.”</p><p>She had shared an update on her health on August 21, acknowledging her recent decline after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.</p><img alt="Jason Kempin / Getty Images" height="3333" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/QMLWHRTXP5HYZEP3PIVPSAA4H4.jpg?auth=72e07638d02964e00e87a5c04f23a106d99e1539f1ede7b1ebb27ee2e89960b2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5000&amp;height=3333" width="5000" /><p>Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, revealed the news in an Instagram video on the same day.</p><p>As tributes began pouring in, Trump ordered flags to be lowered starting at 6 PM on August 25, calling Parton “a true loss for millions of people” and concluding his message: “The World loves you.”</p><p>This post from Trump came despite Parton having declined honors from him in the past. During his first presidency, his administration offered her the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice, which she declined both times, citing her husband’s illness and concerns about traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also declined the honor under President Joe Biden, stating she did not want it to appear political.</p><img alt="Getty" height="1271" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/FVOMPCRZWJCN3DZD4QAZP4BZYQ.jpg?auth=03805151983ec4a186c17dad5ff93ec5c237bf177d855df227e3d693c479a391&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1272&amp;height=1271" width="1272" /><p>Parton was known for her ability to remain above the political fray, and her music resonated with both conservatives and liberals, prompting widespread grief following her death.</p><p>Trump ally Laura Loomer expressed her sadness, noting Parton's good health during a recent performance. Former presidential rival Nikki Haley referred to her as “an American treasure and loss for our country,” highlighting her contagious energy and spirit.</p><img alt="Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers performing, circa 1990. (Photo by Beth Gwinn/Redferns) / Beth Gwinn / Redferns via Getty Images" height="3328" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/CIGV3IJLLFDPZFLLFOHQDQ3F7U.jpg?auth=ab4135e5cfddfc304c5bc598f621f9cc1ec3a4ca1ae6f04180bc8f7da104d3e2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5012&amp;height=3328" width="5012" /><p>“Rest in peace, Dolly. A true legend and national treasure,” the group Republicans Against Trump stated on X.</p><p>Parton was a musician, philanthropist, movie star, and cultural icon, known for her trademark style and extensive contributions to music, having written over 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records. Her notable hits include <i>Jolene, Nine to Five</i>, and <i>I Will Always Love You</i>.</p><img alt="Kevin Mazur, WireImage / Getty Images" height="675" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/V7GM3ZQ2YJJFLO5YDQ75DUTCRM.jpg?auth=dbcc47f2cb5ab7e67b2aebad334a269311b1afb04b1eaa0cda678a500095bff3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" width="1200" /><p>In his video announcement, Seaver shared that Parton had asked him to make such an announcement years prior. He reflected on the emotional weight of the moment.</p><p>Parton also emphasized her desire to be remembered for her charitable work, particularly through “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” which provides free books to children from birth through age 5. She expressed pride in this initiative, highlighting its importance to her family background.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-pays-tribute-to-superstar-who-snubbed-him-twice/">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>