The Dallas skyline glowed pink overnight in tribute to Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer. She was 80.
Parton died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from her representatives. Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news on her social media accounts, saying she had “lived in the light.”
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff nationwide for one week beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed state flags to be lowered as well.
So sad to lose this legend.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 25, 2026
Texas will lower our flags in her honor.
God Bless Dolly. https://t.co/tUNlvsa4oR
“So sad to lose this legend. Texas will lower our flags in her honor. God Bless Dolly,” Abbott posted on X.
Attorney General Ken Paxton called Parton a “dear friend” of Texas who “grew up one of twelve kids in a two-room cabin and never forgot where she came from.” Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush said they mourned “a great entertainer and even greater person,” praising her work promoting literacy and strengthening communities. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson described her as a true icon whose music inspired generations.
Reunion Tower, the landmark sphere on the Dallas skyline, was illuminated in pink Tuesday night. In a post, the tower’s account wrote that Parton “taught us to lead with heart, kindness, and sparkle” and that “Dallas will always love you, Dolly.”
Parton maintained deep ties to Texas through decades of concerts, her role in the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and a memorable 2023 Thanksgiving halftime performance at AT&T Stadium dressed as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Her Imagination Library literacy program has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children across the country, including in Texas.
Flags across the nation and in Texas remain at half-staff this morning on the first full day without her.
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