\u201cThis is a true loss for millions of people,\u201d Trump wrote. \u201cThere has never been anyone like her, and never will. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The president\u2019s tribute came as an outpouring of grief and appreciation spread across the United States and around the world following the announcement of Parton\u2019s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The country music icon had continued working despite facing declining health. Just four days before her death, Parton spoke with PEOPLE about her determination to keep pursuing her creative ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven though I\u2019m still healin\u2019, I\u2019m still workin\u2019!\u201d she told PEOPLE on Friday, Aug. 21. \u201cI\u2019ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I\u2019m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parton\u2019s death prompted tributes from politicians, entertainers, fans and public figures from across the country. Members of both political parties recognized not only her extraordinary career in music but also her decades of charitable work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Tennessee, where Parton was born and raised, elected officials highlighted the lasting impact she had on her home state. Much of the praise focused on her philanthropic efforts, particularly the Dolly Parton\u2019s Imagination Library, which has provided books to children and promoted early childhood literacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both of Tennessee\u2019s U.S. senators also shared memories and photographs of Parton following news of her passing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., praised Parton as an exceptionally talented performer and successful businesswoman who played an important role in Tennessee\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state,\u201d Hagerty wrote on X. \u201cShe brought laughter and joy to so many through her musical and philanthropic endeavors. She will be deeply, deeply missed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., also expressed her sorrow over Parton\u2019s death, saying that there were no words sufficient to capture the feelings of her family and people throughout Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn iconic leader who loved our great state and nation,\u201d Blackburn wrote. \u201cHer passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parton\u2019s influence stretched far beyond country music. Over a career spanning decades, she became a celebrated singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist, earning a devoted audience across generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She also helped transform the tourism landscape of East Tennessee through Dollywood, the amusement park she helped establish in the Great Smoky Mountains. The attraction became one of the region\u2019s most recognizable destinations and reflected Parton\u2019s deep connection to her Appalachian roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her philanthropic legacy was equally significant. Through the Imagination Library and other charitable initiatives, Parton devoted much of her success to supporting children, education and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump\u2019s decision to order flags lowered to half-staff for a full week underscored the extraordinary national recognition surrounding Parton\u2019s death. For millions of Americans, she represented far more than a country music superstar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her songs, personality, business achievements and charitable work made her a uniquely influential figure whose career touched music, entertainment, education and philanthropy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As tributes continue to pour in, Parton\u2019s legacy remains deeply connected to the generations of fans who grew up listening to her music and the countless people who benefited from her charitable work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dolly Parton\u2019s impact will likely endure for generations, both through the music she created and through the humanitarian work she leaves behind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" President Donald Trump paid tribute to Dolly Parton after the legendary country music star died at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25. 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