Trump Pays Tribute to Superstar Who Snubbed Him Twice

Getty Donald Trump has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the death of the country music legend, praising her as one of the greatest singers ever and ordering flags to be lowered across the country for a week in her honor.

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

“This is a true loss for millions of people.

There has never been anyone like her, and never will.” Trump ordered flags lowered beginning at 6 pm Tuesday, calling Parton “a true loss for millions of people” and ending his message: “The World loves you.” The unusually gracious tribute from the often incendiary president came despite Parton being one of the few celebrities Trump tried repeatedly to honor—only to have her repeatedly decline him.

During his first presidency, his administration offered Parton the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the nation’s highest civilian honor—twice.

She turned it down both times.

The first time, she said, her husband Carl Dean was ill.

The second time, she did not want to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parton later also declined the honor under President Joe Biden, saying she did not want accepting it to appear political.

For many, this was part of Parton’s charm, as she largely and deliberately stayed above the political fray.

A woman whose music became woven into American life, Parton was embraced by conservatives and liberals alike, and her death at 80 prompted an outpouring of grief from across the political and cultural spectrum.

This is a developing story and will be updated...

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