Dolly Parton‘s truly unmatched legendary status proves that she was a rare bipartisan figure who could bring people together.
Following her death on Tuesday at 80 years old, Democrats and Republicans both paid tribute to the queen of country music.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, “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.”
He also announced that he’ll be “lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period” beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday to honor Parton. “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you,” Trump concluded.
Throughout her career, Parton had been open about maintaining an apolitical public stance by choice. “I don’t like to get involved in politics, because first of all, I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats. I don’t want to offend anybody, I have a right to myself,” she told USA Today in 2020. “Like God gave us free will, America gave us free speech, but you’ve got to be responsible for anything you say and do.”
