Donald Trump, the US President, has honoured legendary singer Dolly Parton by ordering the country’s flag flown at half-mast nationwide for one week.
Recall, Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, in a video posted on social media, announced the music icon’s death on Tuesday night.
“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said in a video.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now,” he added.
Seaver added that Dolly “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by (her late husband) Carl, her parents, and countless others.”
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you,” Seaver said at the end of the lengthy video statement
Reacting to the news, Trump, via a statement shared on Truth Social, described Parton as “one of the greatest country singers”.
READ ALSO: SAD! ‘Queen of Country’ Music Dolly Parton is Dead
Trump said the singer’s death represents a significant loss for millions of people, adding that “there’s never been anyone like her”.
The US president declared a week of national mourning, starting Tuesday evening.
“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,” the post reads.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honour, 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.”
Earlier in May, Parton had cancelled a series of Las Vegas concerts due to ongoing health concerns.
She revealed in a social media post that she was receiving treatment for an unspecified illness.
Parton, widely regarded as the “queen of country music”, had a legendary career spanning six decades.
She sold more than 100 million records worldwide. She wrote at least 3,000 songs, including global hits like ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’.
The latter became an even bigger international smash after Whitney Houston released her version in 1992.