TRUMP MOURNS DOLLY PARTON, ORDERS US FLAGS LOWERED FOR ONE WEEK

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

United States President Donald Trump has mourned the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, describing her passing as a “true loss for millions of people.”

Trump also ordered American flags across the United States to be lowered for one week in honour of the legendary singer and songwriter.

The president announced the directive in a post on his Truth Social account on Tuesday, which was also shared by the White House on its X handle.

“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,” 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,” he added.

Trump’s statement followed reports of Parton’s death at the age of 80.

Parton, who rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of country music’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades.

She sold more than 100 million records globally and earned the nickname “Queen of Country” through a catalogue of hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.

The singer wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards during her career.

Beyond music, Parton established herself as an actor, appearing in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.

Born on January 19, 1946, in a two-room log cabin in Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville after graduating from high school in 1964 to pursue a career in music.

She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to become one of the most successful solo performers and songwriters in music history.

Parton also built a business empire that extended beyond entertainment, including television specials, food products and Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park in which she acquired an interest and which was renamed in 1986.

Her influence also extended to philanthropy, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, an initiative focused on promoting childhood literacy.

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a post on Instagram on Tuesday.

“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” Seaver wrote.

“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” he added.