Dolly Parton’s death has shocked the world. Among those mourning the country music legend is President Donald Trump. Just a day after her death, Trump also made a personal claim about Parton during an interview with Glenn Beck.
Legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton has left fans around the world mourning. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a prerecorded video shared on social media on Tuesday. Parton was 80 years old.
Her official website later confirmed that Parton had died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver said in the video. He explained that he had served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, following his father, Larry, in the role.
Dolly Parton Dies at 80
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” Seaver said. “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Parton’s death was announced on August 25, 2026. Her official statement said she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, as well as her parents. A private service was planned for immediate family at Parton’s request.
Trump Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton
President Donald Trump quickly paid tribute to Parton following her death. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called her “one of the greatest Country singers” and said her death was “a true loss for millions of people.”
Trump also announced that, as a mark of respect for Parton’s memory, the U.S. flag would be flown at half-staff at the White House, federal buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations and other federal facilities through sunset on September 1, 2026. The proclamation also applied to U.S. diplomatic and military facilities abroad.
Dolly Parton and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Parton generally avoided partisan politics and became known for maintaining relationships with people across political lines.
She was offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice by the Trump administration but did not accept it. In a 2021 interview with NBC’s Today, Parton explained that she initially declined because her husband, Carl Dean, was ill and she later did not want to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also said she was concerned that accepting the award could be viewed as becoming involved in politics.
Parton was not awarded the Medal of Freedom during the Biden administration. Her comments about the award came after Biden was elected, but the two offers she described were from the Trump administration.
Trump has also used Parton’s music publicly; “Jolene” appeared on a playlist associated with him. However, the extent of their personal relationship has not been publicly established.
Donald Trump Makes Personal Claim About Dolly Parton After Her Death
On August 26, Trump discussed Parton’s death during an interview with radio host Glenn Beck. Trump said he knew Parton “a little bit” and claimed that she “really liked” him.
“She was unique. I mean, she was amazing,” Trump said. “And to lose her, it’s like you lose a member of the family, you know, we all knew her so well.”
Trump continued: “I knew her a little bit. She wasn’t a very political person. She really liked me, I will tell you.”
He then suggested that Parton had avoided politics partly because she did not want to alienate some of her fans.
“She was of the opinion, you know, the 50 percent — who needs to lose? I don’t think it’s 50. I think it’s probably 20 percent of the fans,” Trump said.
Trump also described Parton as “a great person” and “a nice person,” adding that he liked her and believed lowering the flags was an appropriate tribute. The remarks were part of his August 26 interview with Beck.
Dolly Parton’s death has prompted tributes from fans, musicians, public figures and organizations around the world. Her seven-decade career, songwriting, philanthropy and cultural influence have left a lasting legacy.
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. Please share your favorite memories of her in the comments.
