Donald Trump has announced a grand gesture in a tribute to Dolly Parton after the legend’s death aged 80.
The US president took to Truth Social to pay tribute to the country music star after her death was revealed in a shocking announcement made by Parton’s nephew.
He joined the long list of celebrities honouring the legendary musician behind classics like Jolene and 9 to 5, whose family said in a touching statement that she ‘farmed songs and happiness’.
Trump said he will lower the US flag throughout the country for a week, with the mourning period starting tonight at 6pm, presumably at East Coast time.
The 80-year-old said: ‘Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
‘This is a true loss for millions of people.
‘There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
‘In her honour, I’m 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.’
The move to lower the flag for one week is a rare honour as only selected people will receive the gesture, but the president has the power to extend it to private citizens like celebrities.
For current and former presidents, flags fly half-staff for 30 days, while vice presidents, chief justices of the Supreme Court and the speaker of the House of Representatives will be honoured with a ten-day observation.
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But a week-long observation is said to be rare. Last time it happened was to mark the death of Winston Churchill under president Lyndon B Johnson.
Parton is no stranger to the White House, where she has been pictured before during her career.
Parton was invited to the White House by George W Bush for a Kennedy Center honorees reception in 2006 along with singer and songwriter William ‘Smokey’ Robinson, iconic composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Steven Spielberg and conductor Zubin Mehta.
Though the country icon largely kept her political views private, and has not officially endorsed any presidential candidates.
In 2016, she reportedly joked about the possibility of either Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump becoming the next POTUS: ‘I think no matter if it’s Hillary or Donald Trump, we’re gonna be plagued with PMS either way — presidential mood swings!’
In 2021, Parton told NBC’s Today programme that she had turned down two offers of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award by the Trump administration, the highest civilian honour in the country.
However, the reason had nothing to do with politics, Parton explained.
The first time, she was unable to accept because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill, and on the second occasion the Covid-19 pandemic struck.