Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80, Trump orders week of mourning

American singer, songwriter, and actress Dolly Parton, one of the world's most celebrated country music icons, died on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 80, her family announced on her official accounts without disclosing the cause of death.

The news was shared by her nephew Brian Seaver in a video message posted on Parton's Instagram account, confirming that she passed away peacefully in Nashville.

US President Donald Trump ordered American flags nationwide to be flown at half-mast for a week starting this evening, paying tribute to Parton as "one of the greatest country singers of all time" and calling her passing "a true loss for millions." He added, "There was never anyone like her, and there never will be."

A career spanning more than six decades

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a log cabin in eastern Tennessee and was the fourth of twelve siblings. Her career spanned over sixty years, during which she produced American music classics such as "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You," in addition to her extensive work in film and television.

Parton's fame extended beyond music; she founded the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, which became one of the world's leading entertainment destinations. She was also renowned for her philanthropy, most notably the "Imagination Library" initiative that distributes books to children—a cause her family has asked people to support with donations instead of flowers.

Health struggles before her passing

In September 2025, Parton announced the postponement of a series of Las Vegas concerts due to what she described as "health challenges" requiring medical procedures, without specifying details. Last May, she canceled another show, citing ongoing treatment for kidney stones and issues with her immune and digestive systems.

She explained that she had neglected her own health while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at age 82 after nearly sixty years of marriage.

Last week, Parton was honored with the "Poet" award from the Academy of Country Music, though she did not attend the ceremony. She was also scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Americana Music Association next month.