Trump Declares Week of Mourning for Dolly Parton, Flags to Fly at Half-Staff
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow over the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, calling her one of the greatest artists ever.
- In honor of Parton's memory, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for one week, starting from the evening of the announcement.
- Parton, celebrated for hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," was known for her cross-societal admiration and had recently spoken about continuing her music career and exploring avatar performances.
President Donald Trump publicly mourned the passing of legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, describing her as an unparalleled artist whose loss is deeply felt across the nation. Trump shared his profound sadness on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “It is very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country music singers, and much more than that genre, of all time, has just passed away. It is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and there never will be.”
In a significant gesture of national mourning, President Trump ordered that American flags be flown at half-staff across the United States for a full week, commencing from 6:00 p.m. on the day of the announcement. This protocol honors the memory of the beloved artist, with Trump adding, “In her honor, I have ordered the American flag lowered to half-staff across the country for a week, starting tonight at 6:00 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you.”
It is very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country music singers, and much more than that genre, of all time, has just passed away. It is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and there never will be.
Bryan Seaver, Parton's nephew, confirmed the news, celebrating her "life bright as a diamond." Parton, renowned for timeless classics such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” commanded broad admiration across the American social and political spectrum. Her passing comes just days after an interview with People magazine, where she expressed her continued passion for music despite ongoing health challenges. In that conversation, she revealed her involvement with tech companies on developing "avatar performances" to ensure her music reaches future generations.
Parton had been experiencing health issues since the fall of 2025, leading to the cancellation of a Las Vegas concert residency. Recognized as one of country music's most influential figures, she amassed 11 Grammy Awards and made significant contributions as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and film actress throughout her illustrious career.
In her honor, I have ordered the American flag lowered to half-staff across the country for a week, starting tonight at 6:00 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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