Governor orders flags flown at half-mast today for Dolly Parton

“A life shining like a diamond that shone for the world to see, Dolly will always be an inspiration not only for her timeless music and prolific work as a songwriter, but also for her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family,” Seaver said in an official statement in which he speaks on behalf of the family (see related stories on pages 6 & 9).

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Wednesday declared a day of mourning for the death of American singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist Dolly Parton.

Parton, author of hits such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” died Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her nephew Bryan Seaver said.

“A life shining like a diamond that shone for the world to see, Dolly will always be an inspiration not only for her timeless music and prolific work as a songwriter, but also for her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family,” Seaver said in an official statement in which he speaks on behalf of the family.

As announced by La Fortaleza through a press release, the governor’s decision comes after President Donald Trump ordered that the American flag fly at half-mast for a week starting Wednesday, in honor of the renowned artist.

As a result of this provision, González Colón instructed that today, Aug. 27, be observed as a day of mourning in Puerto Rico in which flags located at all public facilities must remain at half-mast.

Trump mourned the death of Parton, whom he described as one of the greatest singers “of all time.”

“It is very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond that genre, of all time, has just passed away,” the president posted on Truth Social. “It is a real loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and there never will be.” 

Parton announced that she was suffering from health problems in the fall of last year, months after canceling a series of concerts scheduled for December at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Health problems also prevented her from participating in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governors’ Awards ceremony.

The winner of 10 Grammy Awards out of more than 50 nominations, Parton is considered one of country music’s most relevant singers and songwriters. Inducted into both the country music and rock ’n’ roll halls of fame, her six-decade career embraced television, movies and, with a musical about her life scheduled to open early next year, Broadway.