Aug. 25, 2026
Governor Josh Stein has ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff from sunrise Aug. 26, 2026, through sunset Sept. 1, 2026, in honor of country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday.
“Dolly Parton was so special: authentic and universally loved. Her music was powerful and moving, and she leaves a lasting impact — from providing kids free books to funding vaccine research and promoting tolerance,” Gov. Stein said in a news release. “America lost one of our best today. May her memory be a blessing.”
Born in Tennessee, Parton was known for not only her vocal ability but also her skills as a songwriter, writing classic hit songs such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
In addition to a legendary music career, Parton was an actress, a philanthropist, and a successful businesswoman, famously known for her theme park, Dollywood. Her Imagination Library program has provided more than 300 million free books to children since its launch in 1995.
Parton’s family said she died peacefully in Nasheville, Tenn. Tuesday at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones.