Donald Trump has announced a grand gesture in tribute to Dolly Parton after the country music legend's death at the age of 80. The US president took to Truth Social to pay his respects after Parton's nephew revealed the news of her passing.
Flags lowered for one week
Trump said he will lower the US flag throughout the country for a week, with the mourning period beginning at 6pm, presumably East Coast time. In his post, he described Parton as 'one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER' and said her death is 'a true loss for millions of people'.
'There has never been anyone like her, and never will,' he wrote. '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.'
White House connections
Parton was no stranger to the White House, having been pictured there during her career. In 2006, she was invited by George W. Bush to a Kennedy Center honorees reception, alongside singer and songwriter William 'Smokey' Robinson, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Steven Spielberg and conductor Zubin Mehta.
The country icon largely kept her political views private and never officially endorsed any presidential candidates. In 2016, she reportedly joked about the possibility of either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump becoming president, saying: 'I think no matter if it's Hillary or Donald Trump, we're gonna be plagued with PMS either way — presidential mood swings!'
Parton's family said in a statement that she 'farmed songs and happiness', as tributes poured in from celebrities honouring the musician behind classics like Jolene and 9 to 5.
