Singer and songwriter Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday. Following the announcement, President Trump and members of Congress from both political parties issued statements in memory of the entertainer, who was born on Jan. 19, 1946.
Parton's death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a prerecorded video posted to social media. Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, who died at age 82 in March 2025. In addition to her music career, Parton was known for her philanthropic work through the Imagination Library and her support for vaccine research, literacy, and disaster relief.
President Trump announced that American flags throughout the United States would be lowered to half-staff for one week starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday. In a social media post, the president stated there "has never been anyone like her" and characterized her death as a "true loss for millions."
Lawmakers from Parton's home state of Tennessee, including Republican Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and Representative Tim Burchett, described her as a "true Tennessee treasure." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also released statements, with Schumer calling her a "force for good" and Johnson citing her "remarkable generosity." Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) noted her advocacy for healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights.
For the general public, the most immediate change will be the week-long lowering of the American flag at federal buildings and across the country, as ordered by President Trump. Fans and residents of Tennessee will notice a significant loss in the state's cultural representation, as Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) identified her as the "greatest representative of Tennessee ever." The music industry and performers like Reba McEntire and Kacey Musgraves indicated her absence would be felt throughout the country music community, where she had been a fixture for six decades.
The mourning period is expected to continue through the upcoming week as the flag order remains in effect. While funeral arrangements and public memorial dates were not specified in the reports, the reactions from high-ranking federal officials suggest the potential for national recognition of her career. Further details regarding the future administration of her philanthropic organizations, such as the Imagination Library, have not yet been reported.