By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United States has lowered its flags to half-staff nationwide in an extraordinary tribute to country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, following her death at the age of 80.
President Donald Trump ordered the flags at the White House, public buildings, military installations, naval vessels and US diplomatic facilities abroad to remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026.
The presidential proclamation, issued on Tuesday, August 25, described the measure as a mark of respect for Parton’s memory.
Trump announced the decision shortly after news of Parton’s death, describing her as “one of the greatest Country singers” and saying her passing was “a true loss for millions of people.” He added that there had never been anyone like her and never would be.
Parton’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the political and entertainment spectrum, reflecting an influence that extended far beyond country music.
The Tennessee-born singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman built a career spanning about seven decades, producing global hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. She sold more than 100 million records and became one of the most recognisable figures in American popular culture.
But Parton’s legacy extended well beyond entertainment. Through her Imagination Library, she helped promote childhood literacy by providing free books to children. The programme has distributed hundreds of millions of books worldwide, making philanthropy one of the defining parts of her public life.
Her influence also reached science and public health. Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support COVID-19 research, funding that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
The decision to lower the national flag for a full week places Parton among a relatively small group of private citizens to receive such a rare national honour.
The gesture underscores the extraordinary cultural reach of a woman whose career transcended music, politics and generations.
State governments have also joined the mourning. Governors in states including Maine, Kentucky and Ohio ordered US and state flags lowered to half-staff in honour of the late entertainer.
Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80. Her death marks the end of an era for American country music, but the national tribute reflects a broader recognition of her contribution to American culture, literacy, philanthropy and public life.
For the next week, the lowered Stars and Stripes will serve as a national symbol of mourning for an entertainer whose influence reached far beyond the stage.
