Country music legend Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, according to a statement from her family, and lawmakers and the president are expressing condolences for the Tennessee native.
"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," President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post.
Trump announced he will be ordering U.S. flags to be lowered for the next week, adding, "Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
An American icon, Dolly was known as the “Queen of Country." She was also a philanthropist who in 2020 donated $1 million toward the research that helped Moderna create its
COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic.
Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a candidate for Tennessee governor, rushed to social media to express her condolences over Parton's death, saying her and her husband are "absolutely heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend."
"Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history," Blackburn wrote. "Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come. Tennessee will forever be grateful for Dolly."
Blackburn's Democratic opponent for governor, Jerri Green, posted that Parton was one of "Tennessee's finest, noting that Parton "always used her platform to lift other up."
"She was also an unapologetic advocate for the most marginalized, including our LGBTQ+ neighbors," Green said. "The world is brighter and better simply because she existed."
Republican Rep. Diana Harshbarger, who represents East Tennessee's 1st Congressional District, said that Parton's "love for these mountains will outlast every one of us," in a post that noted Parton's impact on the local community.
“Dolly Parton was one of ours,” Harshbarger said in a press release. “She grew up in the hills of Sevier County, right here in Tennessee's First District, and no matter how big her star got, she never stopped being one of us."
Harshbarger noted that Dollywood – Parton's theme park – "put East Tennessee on the map for the whole world to see" and noted that Parton's philanthropic Imagination Library "put books in the hands of children who needed them most, including so many right here at home."
Blackburn's Tennessee colleague in the upper chamber, Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty said Parton was "was a true Tennessee treasure" and that his state "has lost one of its greatest legends – a woman who never lost sight of her faith, her roots, or the Volunteer Spirit."
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee, also said "her philanthropic work helped provide greater access to education for countless young Tennesseans," and celebrated the country singer as "the very best of the American Dream."
The Tennessee Democratic Party put out a statement calling Parton "a true Tennessee trailblazer," echoing Harshbarger's sentiment on the impact of Dollywood. "She turned her namesake Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, into one of the world’s top amusement destinations" and "invested in the region’s economy and communities," the Democrats said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Politicians from Tennessee to DC pay tribute to Dolly Parton
