Flags to Be at Half-Staff for Dolly Parton Longer Than Kirk and Graham
Newsweek · C · trust 31/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honor of Dolly Parton ’s life, granting the American icon a longer national mourning period than several prominent figures who were close to the president, including the late Senator Lindsey Graham and conservative activist Charlie Kirk .
Country music trailblazer Parton, whose songwriting, voice and larger‑than‑life persona shaped American culture for more than six decades, d ied at age 80, her nephew announced Tuesday in an Instagram video.
Her death prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, the entertainment industry and beyond, reflecting a rare level of bipartisan admiration for an artist whose appeal transcended politics, geography and generations. For decades, Parton was regarded as one of the country's most beloved entertainers, earning acclaim not only for her music but also for her philanthropy, business ventures and advocacy for literacy.
In a Tuesday afternoon Truth Social post, Trump called Parton “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER,” announcing her death as a “true loss for millions of people.”
He added, “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
He concluded the post, “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.” Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1.
Parton largely steered clear of partisan politics throughout her career. During Trump's first term, she was offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice, the nation's highest civilian honor, but did not receive it after citing scheduling conflicts and concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parton emphasized that her decisions were not political. She said that her circumstances simply made it difficult to attend a White House ceremony.
Flying the U.S. flag at half-staff is a traditional mark of mourning, respect, and remembrance following the death of a prominent public figure or after a national tragedy. While federal law establishes flag protocols for certain elected officials, presidents also have the authority to order flags lowered nationwide through a proclamation honoring certain individuals. Such orders apply to federal buildings, military installations and U.S. facilities around the world.
Most half-staff proclamations are measured in days, while the death of a current or former U.S. president typically results in a 30-day national mourning period.
However, not all prominent public figures receive nationwide half-staff tributes. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller's death did not prompt a presidential proclamation ordering flags to be lowered nationwide, with Trump saying in a Truth Social post at the time, "Good, I’m glad he’s dead."
Earlier this summer, on July 11, Graham, a prominent South Carolina Republican and one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress who advocated for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, died. He had turned 71 just two days before his death.
In a post on Truth Social two days after, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening. The national tribute lasted about five days, from July 13 until 6 p.m. on July 18, 2026.
"In honor of the remarkable life and achievements of Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our Country, and his beloved Home State of South Carolina, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Saturday evening at 6 P.M. GOD BLESS YOU LINDSEY!” Trump wrote in a social media post.
Trump delivered Graham's eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral on July 28.
Following the assassination of conservative political activist, author and founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff from September 10 until sunset on September 14, 2025.
Kirk was one of the most prominent figures in the modern conservative movement and a close ally of Trump. Kirk never held elected office, making the nationwide half-staff order a rare presidential honor more often associated with current or former government officials. The president, along with several cabinet members, delivered remarks at his funeral in Arizona.
Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom about a year after his assassination.
After serving as pope for more than a decade, Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025.
Following his death, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide until sunset on the day of the pontiff's interment, a traditional mark of respect for a foreign head of state and global religious leader. Flags were flown half-staff from April 21 to 26.
Parton's family announced on Tuesday that she died in Nashville at age 80. Her nephew, Brian Seaver, shared the news in a video statement posted on the family's behalf. According to family statements, Parton died peacefully. No official cause of death was immediately released.
Her death followed a series of publicly acknowledged health challenges. In recent years, Parton discussed undergoing medical procedures and canceled appearances because of health concerns. Reports also noted that she canceled performances and stepped away from the spotlight to focus on recovery.
Parton's final years were also marked by personal loss. Her husband, Carl, whom she married in 1966, died in March 2025. In interviews afterward, Parton said she was continuing to cope with grief while remaining committed to her work and public projects.
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