RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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As the world mourns the death of Dolly Parton , President Donald Trump announced Tuesday (Aug. 25) that flags around the country will be lowered to half-staff beginning at 6 p.m. in honor of the late country icon.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote , “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, ever, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There 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 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you. President Donald J. Trump.”
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Tennessee native Parton died Tuesday in Nashville, at age 80. Parton’s nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver announced Parton’s death in a video on social media.
During her career, Parton often avoided delving into politics. She previously revealed during a Today show interview in 2021 that she was twice offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the Trump administration, and turned it down both times.
“I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,” Parton told Today at the time, and noting she had heard from President Joe Biden at the time about accepting the honor as well. “Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure.”
Parton dedicated her life and career to bettering the world in so many ways , from her Dollywood theme park to her Imagination Library, which has promoted childhood literacy through delivering millions of books to children. She launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, and in 2000, she launched the Dolly Parton Scholarship to help college-bound students in her home area of Sevier County, Tennessee. She made donations to help people in East Tennessee following devastating wildfires, and donated $1 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2017.
As a singer, artist, songwriter, entertainer, author, businesswoman and philanthropist, Parton built a multifaceted career that included multitudes of accolades. She was a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and earned 25 No. 1 hits on Billboard ‘s Hot Country Songs chart. She also earned 10 Grammy wins from 55 nominations.
An official statement regarding Parton’s death on Aug. 25 reads: “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
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