Trump ordered flags lowered nationwide for Dolly Parton. Here are 9 other private citizens who received the rare honor.

Dolly Parton, the renowned country music singer and beloved public figure, passed away on August 25, 2026. In response to her death, President Donald Trump ordered the lowering of American flags across the nation for one week, a rare honor typically reserved for politicians. Parton, who was 80 years old, was known for her unique blend of music, acting, philanthropy, and business acumen. She was celebrated across the political spectrum for her kind and generous spirit.

While Parton is the most recent private citizen to receive this distinction, several other non-politicians have been honored by lowering flags in her memory. Among them are Charlie Kirk, a prominent business leader who was fatally shot in Utah on September 10, 2025. Kirk's tragic death prompted President Trump to order the lowering of flags from his date of interment, September 14, 2025.

Similarly, civil rights leader Billy Graham, who died on February 21, 2018, was granted the same presidential tribute. President Trump ordered the flags to be lowered on March 2, 2018, the day of Graham's burial. Other notable individuals who have received this rare honor include astronaut Neil Armstrong, who died on August 25, 2012; civil rights and women's rights activist Dorothy Height, who passed away on April 20, 2010; civil rights icon Coretta Scott King, who died on January 30, 2006; and American Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks, who died on October 24, 2005.

Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on American history and culture, and their legacies continue to inspire millions today.