US President Donald Trump says Dolly Parton’s death is a “true loss for millions” as artists, entertainers and Nashville mourn the 80-year-old country music icon.
Trump ordered American flags to be lowered across the country for one week in honour of country music legend who has died at the age of 80.
Trump announced the directive in a post on Truth Social shortly after Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday, saying the flags would be lowered beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on August 25.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote.
“In her honor, I am 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.”
Parton’s death has prompted tributes from fellow musicians, entertainers and officials, with many highlighting her influence on country music and her contributions beyond the entertainment industry.
Variety senior culture and events editor Marc Malkin, who met Parton several times, described her as an “icon” and “legend” while speaking to CBC News Network.
“Dolly Parton was an icon, a legend, a poet, an artist, a philanthropist,” Malkin said. “She was a giver — she gave joy, absolute joy. Dolly means so much to me.” Malkin became emotional as he recalled Parton’s personality, describing her as genuine and down-to-earth.
Country music star Keith Urban also mourned Parton’s death, writing on his Instagram Stories: “heartbroken today. Dolly Parton, honestly…I have no words right now.”
Urban was a longtime admirer of Parton and had specifically asked her to induct him into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2023, according to American Songwriter. At the ceremony, he displayed an “In Dolly We Trust” sticker on the podium.
Also Read: Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80
Nashville also paid tribute to the singer, saying it was difficult to imagine the city without her. “It’s difficult to imagine Music City without Dolly Parton,” it said in a post on its Visit Music City social media account, recalling how Parton arrived in the city with a dream before sharing “her music, her heart, and her unmistakable spirit with the world.”
The city also recalled Parton’s own words when she was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2009: “It strikes me in a pure place in my heart and in my soul to know that I am part of this wonderful city.”
Parton’s longtime friend and 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin also shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a black-and-white photograph of the pair laughing together when they were younger. Tomlin captioned the image simply: “No words…”
The two starred alongside Jane Fonda in the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, which became a major success. Their friendship continued after the film, with Parton appearing as herself in Tomlin’s 1981 television special, Lily: Sold Out.
Tomlin presented Parton with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 16th Governors Awards in Hollywood in November 2025.
Country music star Reba McEntire described Parton as a longtime friend and paid tribute to her in an emotional social media post featuring a photograph of the two singers.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” the 71-year-old wrote. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth.”
McEntire said she first met Parton in the 1970s, before they later performed together at the Grand Ole Opry. She thanked Parton for her music and her “huge, huge heart”, adding that there would “never be another you.”
“She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favourite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her,” McEntire wrote.
“I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.” She concluded: “I will always love you, Reba.” The two singers reunited four years ago for a special performance of McEntire’s hit song Does He Love You.
Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the United States and the wider music industry, reflecting her decades-long influence as a singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist.
