Americans from across the political spectrum united to mourn country music legend Dolly Parton, who died aged 80, offering a rare moment of national agreement as tributes poured in from presidents, entertainers and business leaders.

President Donald Trump ordered flags across the United States to be lowered for a week, calling Parton’s death a “true loss for millions of people.”

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, ever, has just passed away,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

Former president Joe Biden called Parton (80) “an American original” who “treated everyone with kindness and respect,” while fellow Democrat Barack Obama said it was “hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact.”

Republican George W. Bush praised “her work to promote literacy, advance health, and strengthen communities.”

New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, praised Parton as “an irreplaceable champion of the working class.”

“We are a better country because of her,” he said.

Musicians remember their icon

Singer Miley Cyrus took to X to mourn the passing of Parton, who was her godmother.

“So many evil people in this world and we had to lose a pure heart like Dolly Parton,” Cyrus said. “Devastating day for humanity.”

Pop star Taylor Swift, who got her start in country music, said a world without Parton “doesn’t feel possible, real, or right.”

“Her legacy will be an everlasting one,” Swift said in a statement shared with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

Beyoncé, who collaborated with Parton for her Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter, also paid tribute to the star.

“Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” Beyoncé said on her website.

Rocker Jack White, who covered one of Parton’s most famous hits Jolene, called for her “instant sainthood” on Instagram.

Rapper Kid Rock, who worked with Parton, called her “quite simply” the greatest of all time.

“Thanks for the songs, the laughs, the humility and grace. Without a doubt a woman who God truly has his hands on.”

Hollywood pays its respects

Country music star Carrie Underwood said Parton “was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on.”

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Parton in 2024, recalled meeting Parton for the first time, describing her as “an angel walking the earth.”

“Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again,” Carpenter said on Instagram.

Actress Jane Fonda, who performed opposite Parton in 9 to 5, mourned Parton’s loss.

“Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever,” Fonda said on Instagram.

Parton’s Steel Magnolias co-star Julia Roberts called her “a magical and joyous human.”

Country music star Jason Aldean said he was grateful to have been in Parton’s company a few times over the years.

“She was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room,” he wrote on X.

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British royals honour country legend

Parton’s influence reached far beyond American shores, with the British royal family sharing a special musical tribute to the country legend.

“Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many, including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library,” the royal family posted on its official X account.

“We will always love you,” it said, using a heart emoji.

The post included a video of the Buckingham Palace ceremonial band, its members wearing their trademark red coats and bearskin hats, playing Parton’s working woman anthem 9 to 5 while standing in formation.

Global tributes from business and music royalty

Beatle Paul McCartney posted on Instagram about meeting Parton early in her career, adding “she was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.”

Rapper Eminem shared a letter she had written him after he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense,” he wrote on X.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he and wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos were “so grateful to have known her.”

Apple’s Tim Cook called Parton a “brilliant songwriter, cultural icon and dedicated philanthropist” whose music “helped light up the world.”

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