Trump mourns 'country music' icon Dolly Parton: A devastating loss for millions

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered in mourning following the death of Dolly Parton, who passed away at the age of 80.

Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social: “With deep sadness and sorrow, I mourn the passing of Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country music singers. Her death is a devastating loss to millions of people,” adding that “there was no one like her.” Trump concluded his post by saying, “Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you.”

Marcel Barizo, the public relations official for the country music icon, said in a statement: “After bravely fighting a short battle with cancer, Dolly has departed, surrounded by her loved ones.” Parton was known for her large blonde wig and her witty, sarcastic sense of humor.

She was one of the most beloved figures in the music industry and beyond. She wrote hundreds of songs, including famous hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” which have collectively sold over 100 million copies worldwide, while their online streams have surpassed one billion plays.

Throughout her career, Parton won 11 Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and an honorary Oscar last year. She was also nominated for six Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards. She launched her nonprofit educational foundation, the Imagination Library, to send free books to children in the U.S. state of Tennessee, after her father, who left school to work on the farm, struggled to learn to read.