Daniel Wolfram
While both Democrats and Republicans have flooded the internet with praise and tributes for the late Dolly Parton, Donald Trump has taken it a step further.
Nowadays, it is almost impossible to find a person who is universally loved. It is even harder for someone who has been in the spotlight for so long.
But that is ultimately what Dolly Parton’s legacy has become after it was announced she passed away at the age of 80.
To honor her, the President of the United States just put out a very rare proclamation mourning the late great legend.
Honoring a legend
President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be lowered across the nation to mourn the death of Dolly Parton.
Trump took to Truth Social to share this announcement. He wrote that flags will remain lowered starting Tuesday evening and will continue for the next seven days.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
In a separate post, the president ended his tribute with a simple message: “Rest in Peace, Dolly!” Trump continued. “The World loves you.”
Loved by everyone
Parton’s family announced her death in a video posted to social media. The news triggered an immediate wave of support from both Republicans and Democrats.
In a volatile time when political landmines are everywhere and much of an entertainer’s legacy is defined by optics and politics, Parton maintained almost universal affection.
She famously avoided politics throughout her career, turning down the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice during the Trump’s first term and later declining it under President Joe Biden to avoid appearing partisan.
Parton was also widely known for her charitable contributions. She created the Imagination Library in 1995, a nonprofit program that has delivered over 200 million free books to young children.
A lasting legacy
Politicians from both aisles were quick to highlight her philanthropy. Democratic Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear wrote on social media that the program helped create “brighter futures for thousands of children across our commonwealth” and left a legacy that “will continue for generations to come.”
Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine celebrated the singer on social media as well. She wrote that Parton’s legacy will “live on in the classrooms and communities she uplifted and the beautiful music she created.”
California Republican state Senator Shannon Grove co-authored bipartisan legislation to expand the book program. She noted that Parton’s “genuine love” for everyone is what gave her this lasting legacy. “That’s who she was, and we should all strive to be more like her,” Grove said.
Unusual gesture by the president
It is very rare that flags are lowered for a whole week after an entertainer dies, beloved or not.
It is also rare to see Donald Trump go out of his way to honor someone like that. It speaks to the kind of mark that Parton left. Former presidents like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George Bush, and Bill Clinton also paid tribute to the country music star.
However, Trump is not always so generous with his words when beloved stars die. When actor and director Rob Reiner was tragically killed, the president quickly went on Truth Social and coupled his death with Reiner being a critic of Trump.
