Biden mourns Dolly Parton: ‘An American original’

Former President Biden is joining every other living commander in chief in remembering Dolly Parton, calling the country music icon “an American original.”

Parton died at 80 on Tuesday in Nashville following a “brief battle with cancer,” according to her representatives.

Referring to Parton as “an inspiration to millions,” Biden — who announced last year that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer — said in a late Tuesday social media post that the “Jolene” singer and philanthropist was “a relentless advocate for women and for equality.”

“Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity,” Biden said of Parton, who launched her nationwide literacy program in 1995.

“But perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect. She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own,” the 83-year-old former president said.

“She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world,” Biden said.

“Jill and I are keeping her family, her friends, and her millions of fans in our prayers. God bless Dolly Parton,” he said.

Parton said in a 2021 interview that she repeatedly declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom due to personal reasons after it was offered to her during both the Biden and Trump administrations.

All four of the living former American presidents paid tribute to Parton following her death. President Trump ordered all American flags on Tuesday to be flown at half-staff in memory of the late music legend.