DEATH of legendary country music icon Dolly Parton has prompted an unprecedented outpouring of grief from presidents, pop stars, and fans across the globe.
President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the United States for a week, describing her death as a “true loss for millions of people”.
In a post on Truth Social, the President wrote: “There has never been anyone like her, and never will”.
Stars Pay Tribute
In a rare moment of national unity, former presidents from both sides of the political divide joined forces to honour the beloved star. Joe Biden called Parton “an American original,” while George W. Bush praised her work promoting literacy and strengthening communities. Bill Clinton hailed her as “one of a kind”.
The entertainment world has been equally vocal in its mourning. Beyoncé, who collaborated with Parton on her Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter, released a heartfelt statement describing the star as “the barometer” and “the North Star”. She wrote: “You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.”
Taylor Swift, who began her career in country music, expressed her devastation: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right”. Swift praised Parton’s “eternally generous” spirit and predicted her legacy would be everlasting.
A Life of Philanthropy
Parton, who passed away peacefully at her Nashville home, leaves behind a musical legacy spanning over six decades, with hits including Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Beyond her music, she was renowned for her philanthropy, most notably her Imagination Library project which has provided millions of free books to children.
Fellow country star Reba McEntire said: “There will never ever be another you.” Jane Fonda, her co-star in the classic film 9 to 5, said she was “devastated” by the loss, while Jack White noted her achievement of “instant sainthood”.
The public has gathered at her bronze statue in Sevierville, Tennessee, and outside the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to pay their respects, proving that Parton’s unifying appeal transcended all boundaries of politics and genre.
