Former presidents honor Dolly Parton following singer’s passing

Three of the four living former presidents have released statements honoring the late country singer Dolly Parton in the hours after her passing was announced Tuesday following her battle with cancer and other recent health issues.

Former Presidents Clinton, Obama and Bush each paid tribute to Parton in statements praising her artistic and philanthropic efforts, while President Trump also released a statement lauding the late singer and ordering flags across the country to fly at half-staff for a week to recognize Parton’s contributions to society, culture and American life.

The presidents joined a host of other current and former officeholders across the political spectrum who have released statements mourning Parton’s passing.

“It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine,” Obama wrote on social media after Parton passed.

“What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans,” he added.

“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM.”

The singer is responsible for writing “I Will Always Love You,” a hit single that rose to the top of the pop charts in 1992.

The song was brought to life by Whitney Houston and remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from November 28, 1992, through February 27, 1993.

Other notable hit songs from Parton include “Jolene” and “9 to 5” — both pieces of artistry that helped her develop from a local country music singer into an 11-time Grammy award winner and six-time Golden Globe awardee for her acting skills.

“Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from,” Clinton wrote on social media after her passing.

“And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories,” he added.

“Laura and I, along with thousands of her fans, mourn the passing of Dolly Parton. We loved her music and her style. She was a great entertainer and even greater person,” Bush wrote in a statement posted to social media.

“We respected her work to promote literacy, advance health, and strengthen communities. Dolly was a talented and hardworking American who will be missed,” he added.

Parton created Imagination Library 31 years ago and gifted more than 332 million books to children from birth until preschool over the past three decades to encourage education across the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

The measure earned widespread recognition and helped close the literacy gap in hundreds of communities.

Trump and former President Biden both attempted to honor Parton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.

However, she declined Trump’s efforts to bestow the high honor at first due to her husband’s illness and then again rejected Biden’s offer due to a desire to remain nonpartisan.