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Barack Obama pays tribute to Dolly Parton, praises her remarkable impact
26th August, 2026 09:21 AM
Former US President Barack Obama has paid tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, remembering her for the impact she made through music, business and charitable work.
Parton died aged 80 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. Her representatives said she died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones.
Obama shared his tribute on social media on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, highlighting how far Parton had come from her childhood in rural Tennessee and the number of lives she touched during her career. “It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton,” Obama said.
He went on to mention her 11 Grammy Awards and Emmy, as well as her work helping children learn to read through her Imagination Library charity programme. He also noted her research support that helped speed up the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
“What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans,” Obama added.
Dolly Parton remembered beyond music
While Parton was best known for songs such as Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, her work outside music became an important part of her legacy.
Through the Imagination Library, which she started in 1995 in honour of her father, Robert Lee Parton, millions of children received free books. Her father could not read or write, which inspired Parton to make children’s literacy one of her major causes.
Her representatives also pointed to her support for medical research and described her generosity as a key part of her life.
Parton continued working in music until her health problems forced her to reduce her public appearances. She had also remained involved in projects connected to her music and Dollywood in the months before her death.
Trump honours Parton
Obama was among several political figures who paid tribute to Parton following her death. US President Donald Trump said her death was a loss for millions and ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff across the country for one week beginning at 6 pm on Tuesday, adding: “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump said in his tribute. Trump also described Parton as one of the greatest country singers and said her influence went far beyond music.
A career that reached generations
Parton’s six-decade career took her from country music to film, television, business and charity work.
She earned 11 Grammys, an Emmy and became one of the most recognisable figures in country music. Her influence also reached younger audiences through collaborations and her continued support for children.
Her death has therefore left behind more than a catalogue of songs. For Obama, Trump and many others paying tribute, Parton’s story was also about the doors she opened for others and the lives she helped along the way.
