Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at 80, with her family confirming the news in a statement and her nephew Bryan Seaver sharing a video tribute through her official social media accounts.
Donald Trump leads national tribute to Parton
President Donald Trump also paid tribute to the legendary singer following her death and ordered U.S. flags to be lowered for a week in her honor.
He wrote on Truth Social, “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will... Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Deep Dive
Did Dolly Parton ever publicly support Donald Trump?
Why did Dolly Parton decline the Presidential Medal of Freedom offers from Trump's administration?
How did Dolly Parton's lack of children impact her career?
Trump’s tribute has also revived questions about Parton’s political stance and whether she was ever a supporter of the president.
Was Parton a Trump supporter?
Throughout her career, Parton largely maintained an apolitical public image and did not endorse Trump or other presidential candidates.
{{/usCountry}}Throughout her career, Parton largely maintained an apolitical public image and did not endorse Trump or other presidential candidates.
{{/usCountry}}Parton had, however, revealed in 2021 that she twice declined offers of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump’s administration.
Also read | Dolly Parton cause of death: What happened to ‘The Queen of Country’? Details emerge amid death at 80
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian honor in the United States and is awarded to individuals for contributions across a wide range of fields.
Why did she decline the Trump administration offer?
She explained that she could not accept the first offer because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill, while she declined the second because she did not want to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She told NBC’s Today, "I got offered the freedom award from the Trump administration. I couldn't accept it because my husband was ill. Then they asked me again about it and I wouldn't travel because of Covid".
Parton avoided political implications
Parton also revealed that she had been approached about the honor by the Biden administration. However, she expressed concern that accepting it at that point could be interpreted as a political statement.
She said, "Now I feel like if I take it, it'll be doing politics, so I'm not so sure."
What happened to Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton had reportedly been dealing with health issues in the months leading up to the announcement of her death. Her last public appearance came in March 2026, when she attended the opening day of her theme park, Dollywood.
Parton was also expected to make an appearance at an event held in her honor at the theme park in August. However, she did not attend in person and instead sent a prerecorded video message for fans gathered at the event.
Also read | Why did Dolly Parton never have kids with husband Carl Dean? Country music icon said 'it wasn't meant to be'
In the message, Parton acknowledged that she had been experiencing some health problems but reassured her fans that "things were good" regarding her medical condition.
Her absence had prompted concern among fans at the time. The announcement of her death on Tuesday has since made that earlier health update particularly significant.