Former President Joe Biden joined a chorus of national mourning Tuesday night, paying tribute to Dolly Parton as “an American original” after the country music legend died at 80 in Nashville following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives.
In a social media post, Biden — who disclosed his own prostate cancer diagnosis last year — highlighted Parton’s enduring impact as both an artist and a philanthropist. “She was an inspiration to millions,” he wrote, praising her as “a relentless advocate for women and for equality.”
Biden specifically pointed to Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy initiative she launched in 1995 that has put millions of free books into the hands of children. “Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity,” he said.
The 83-year-old former president also emphasized Parton’s character, noting that “perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect. She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own.” He called her “a trailblazer in every sense of the word” and said she “will be missed by millions around the world.”
Biden closed his tribute with a personal note: “Jill and I are keeping her family, her friends, and her millions of fans in our prayers. God bless Dolly Parton.”
Parton’s death prompted tributes from every living former president, with President Trump ordering American flags to be flown at half-staff in her memory. The move came as Parton had previously declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying in a 2021 interview that she had turned it down for personal reasons after it was offered during both the Biden and Trump administrations.
Beyond her music, Parton’s legacy includes her Imagination Library, which will continue to distribute books to children across the country. Her death has also drawn attention to her broader philanthropic work, which included funding for COVID-19 vaccine research and disaster relief efforts.
Parton, known for hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” rose from poverty in rural Tennessee to become one of the most beloved figures in American entertainment. Her blend of talent, business acumen, and down-to-earth charm made her a cultural touchstone for generations.
As the nation grieves, the half-staff flag order — set to last through the week — serves as a visible symbol of her impact. Biden’s tribute, alongside those of his predecessors, underscores the rare bipartisan admiration Parton commanded across the political spectrum.
