Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at age 80, prompting President Donald Trump to order all American flags across the United States lowered to half-mast for one week.
The flag directive begins at 6 p.m. local time on August 25. Trump, who is also 80, announced the tribute on Truth Social, calling Parton one of the greatest country singers of all time and describing her passing as a true loss for millions of people worldwide.
"Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away," Trump wrote. "This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will." He added, "Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Family Confirmation and Health Challenges
Parton's death was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver in a video released on August 25. Seaver stated that Parton had asked him years earlier to record the message for the future, describing the task as an honor mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.
"But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly," Seaver said. "Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus." He noted that Parton was surely reunited with her late husband Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82. Seaver praised the 9 to 5 singer for inspiring generations of musicians and dreamers across every continent, adding, "By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history."
A cause of death was not disclosed. Parton had previously faced health challenges in her final months. In September, she posted on Instagram that her doctors recommended several procedures, joking at the time that it was time for her 100,000-mile check-up rather than her usual visit to a plastic surgeon.
Fellow Country Stars Honor Parton
Musicians across the country music genre expressed heartbreak over her passing. Kelsea Ballerini, the Cowboys Cry Too singer from East Tennessee, paid tribute on Instagram Stories, addressing Parton as her "East Tennessee angel" and thanking her for every ounce of magic, butterflies, acceptance, joy, heart, and music she brought to the world.
Country icon Reba McEntire shared photos of the two together and reflected on their long friendship. "Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side," McEntire wrote. She expressed gratitude for Parton's love and music, adding, "She's gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I'll never forget the first time I met you and I'll never forget our last conversation."
Blake Shelton recalled working alongside Parton on the television singing competition The Voice with his wife Gwen Stefani. Shelton wrote on X that Parton was the exact person people expected her to be, describing her as the funnest, most loving, and most caring member of the family. Singer Keith Urban posted on Instagram Stories that he was heartbroken and had no words, while Kacey Musgraves wrote on X that the world felt a lot less sparkly all of a sudden and expressed relief that Parton was reunited with her late husband Carl Dean.
Grammy winner Shaboozey expressed gratitude for her music on X, calling her everyone's favorite artist, while Noah Kahan thanked Parton for her joy, music, and example.
Tributes From Film and Television Co-Stars
Actresses who shared the screen with Parton honored her legacy and personal warmth. Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Parton in the hit 1980 comedy film 9 to 5, wrote that Parton's presence, generosity, and playfulness were woven into millions of lives forever through her music, her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, and her child literacy book donation programs.
Fonda also addressed Parton's LGBTQ+ fanbase, writing that Parton loved her gay and trans fans and would want them to celebrate her spirit rather than mourn. Fonda encouraged fans to watch the final episode of the comedy series Grace and Frankie, in which Parton made a guest appearance playing an angel working in Heaven.
Sally Field, who appeared with Parton in the 1989 ensemble drama film Steel Magnolias, shared a throwback cast photo on Instagram, writing that the world had lost a true angel. Fellow Steel Magnolias co-star Julia Roberts told Variety in a statement that Parton was a magical and joyous human whose memory she would treasure forever, noting that the sun had dimmed today.
Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon recalled how Parton took her to dinner while she was preparing to play June Carter Cash in the 2005 biographical film Walk the Line. Witherspoon shared that Parton gave her the courage to perform and routinely sent notes of encouragement signed "I will always love you." Cody Linley, who worked with Parton on the television show Hannah Montana, remembered her as a special soul who exuded positivity and warmth.
Musical Legends Reflect on Parton's Impact
Icons from across the music industry remembered Parton as an unprecedented songwriter and business figure. Beatles member Paul McCartney recalled first meeting Parton in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry while she was performing with country star Porter Wagoner before launching her solo career.
McCartney praised her songwriting and philanthropy, noting that she was a clever businesswoman who understood the value of her music. He expressed pride that Parton recorded a version of his song Let It Be, calling her singing on the track one of his highest honors. Cyndi Lauper also praised Parton's artistic and philanthropic achievements, writing that Parton used her fame and money to help countelss people.
Pop superstar Beyoncé posted a tribute on her website, calling Parton a North Star, barometer, bold, brilliant, and tenacious. Beyoncé noted her gratitude for collaborating with Parton on a revised version of the hit song Jolene for her Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter. Barbra Streisand described Parton as a true force of nature, while KISS singer Gene Simmons and musician Joan Jett praised her kindness and musical genius. Jett recalled collaborating with Parton on the song I Hate Myself For Loving You for Parton's 2023 album Rockstar.
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth recalled singing on a record with Parton, describing her as an ultimate inspiration. Former 'NSYNC member Lance Bass and singer Kelly Clarkson also posted tributes praising Parton's extraordinary catalog of art and welcoming spirit.
Broadcasters and Public Figures Remember Legacy
Television host Oprah Winfrey posted a photo on Instagram of herself wearing Bob Mackie gowns alongside Parton on her former television show Dolly. Winfrey wrote that Parton dreamed a life bigger than she could have imagined after growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, giving generously to others both publicly and privately.
Kathie Lee Gifford posted on X that she was devastated by the loss of her precious friend who encouraged her every day. TV personality Meghan McCain recalled meeting Parton during her tenure on the talk show The View, calling Parton the kindest celebrity she had ever met and citing Parton's famous quote about putting up with the rain if you want the rainbow.
Reality television star Khloe Kardashian shared memories of a Dolly Parton-themed birthday party on Instagram, calling Parton a once-in-a-lifetime soul whose existence felt almost impossible. Actor Josh Gad, actor Colman Domingo, media personality Paris Hilton, model Tess Holliday, and TV host Andy Cohen also shared tributes celebrating Parton's kindness, humor, and lasting legacy.
