Fans the world over are mourning the loss of country music legend Dolly Parton, but one person’s tribute is rubbing them up the wrong way...
Following the news of Parton’s death, tributes poured in from public figures and celebrities, with many remembering the beloved icon as a “true legend” and an “irreplaceable” talent. Many noticed that Parton had admiration and support across the polarised US political spectrum, making her one of the rare people most Americans could agree on.
Her admirers praised not only her musical legacy but also her philanthropy, as Parton notably played a key role in funding the research that aided the development of one major COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna), donating $1 million of her own money to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
She also set up the non-profit organisation The Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a literacy initiative which has gifted more than 330 million books to children since 1995.
One public figure who paid his respects was Donald Trump, who ordered flags to be lowered at half-mast to honour the artist, and wrote on Truth Social: “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. 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.”
