World · Trump flags half-staffDolly Parton: A Private Funeral, A Public FarewellAired August 29, 2026 at 2:18 PM UTCWritten September 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:00Dolly Parton died Tuesday at 80 after a brief cancer battle.0:04The nation is mourning, with flags at half-staff and a sold-out Opry tribute0:08tonight.0:08Will a larger memorial concert be announced?0:10Her family asked for a small private funeral and donations to the Imagination0:14Library instead of flowers.0:16President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff nationwide from 6 p.m.0:20Tuesday until sunset September 1.0:22That is the wording of the presidential order, formalized in a White House0:26proclamation.0:28The Imagination Library has mailed more than 330 million free books to children, one0:33a month from birth to age five.0:35The program was inspired by her father, who couldn't read.0:38Her songs surged on Spotify.0:40On August 26th, Jolene and 9-5 took two of the top three U.S.0:44daily chart positions with about 1.29 million and 1.13 million streams that day.0:49She was admitted on August 21st.0:51Four days later, she was gone.0:53The flags came down that evening.0:55Streaming spiked the next day.0:57And last night, the Opry paid tribute.0:58Most details are confirmed, but the claim about a homeless shelter remains1:02unconfirmed.1:04Her legacy continues with upcoming projects, including the Broadway musical that1:08opens on what would have been her 81st birthday.1:10The family's request for privacy stands, but the public farewell continues.1:14Whether a larger memorial concert will be announced remains the last open question.Explore with HeyDexThe shortThe short ↗