US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week in honour of legendary country music singer Dolly Parton, who has died at the age of 80.

Parton’s family announced her death in a video shared on social media on Tuesday, bringing an end to the career of one of the most celebrated figures in country music.

In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump described Parton as “one of the greatest Country singers” and said her death was a major loss to millions of people.

The president declared a week of national mourning beginning at 6pm on Tuesday.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump said.

“There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

Parton, widely regarded as the “Queen of Country Music,” enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades and sold over 100 million records worldwide.

She wrote at least 3,000 songs, including the global hits “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter gained even greater international popularity after Whitney Houston recorded her version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

Earlier in May, Parton cancelled a series of concerts in Las Vegas amid ongoing health concerns. She had previously disclosed on social media that she was receiving treatment for an unspecified illness.

Parton was born into a poor farming family in rural Tennessee as the fourth of 12 children. Her family lived in a one-bedroom cabin.

Her early musical influences included folk songs performed by her mother and her aunt, who played guitar and wrote songs. She began singing at the age of six at a local church where her grandfather served as pastor.

Her death marks the loss of one of the most influential and enduring figures in American popular music.