Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has directed flags across the state to fly at half-staff through sunset Tuesday, Sept. 1, joining a federal proclamation following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
The governor’s order follows a declaration from the White House instructing flags across the United States to be lowered for one week. Polis emphasized Parton’s long-running contributions to early childhood literacy in Colorado through the Imagination Library, a program that has helped deliver 3.5 million books to children in the state.
State recognition tied to literacy work
Polis framed the half-staff order as a tribute not only to Parton’s musical career but also to her philanthropy. He pointed to the Imagination Library as a notable example of how Parton’s charitable efforts affected Colorado communities.
"Dolly Parton's music, songwriting, passion for early childhood literacy, and incomparable musical career inspires millions of Coloradans," Polis said.
The state’s announcement made particular note of the Imagination Library’s reach within Colorado, a point of local interest given ongoing efforts to boost early literacy and school readiness among children across the state.
National response and legacy
Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social following news of Parton’s death, calling it a “true loss for millions of people” and noting that flags would be lowered beginning at 6 p.m. the night of the announcement. His message reflected the national outpouring of tributes to a performer whose songs and business ventures reached audiences well beyond country music.
"Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people," Trump wrote.
Parton’s songwriting catalog included widely known classics such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Over her career she sold tens of millions of records and accumulated more than a billion online streams worldwide, according to her public biography.
What the order means locally
The governor’s directive applies to flags on state properties. Local governments and private organizations may follow the federal and state guidance at their discretion. For Coloradans, the weeklong lowering of flags will serve as a visible acknowledgment of Parton’s cultural impact and charitable work.
Officials and community organizations that partnered with the Imagination Library said the program has been a meaningful element of early childhood outreach in several counties and municipalities. The program sends age-appropriate books to participating children, an effort credited with promoting literacy and a love of reading in young learners.
- Flag status: Half-staff through sunset Tuesday, Sept. 1
- Honoree: Dolly Parton, age 80
- Colorado program highlighted: Imagination Library, 3.5 million books delivered statewide
Practical note for residents
State employees and custodians of public flags should follow standard protocol for lowering and raising flags. Private citizens and organizations wishing to honor Parton may choose to lower their flags in accordance with the governor’s order and federal guidance.
As communities mark the passing of a prominent cultural figure, officials emphasized the lasting nature of Parton’s work in Colorado, particularly in early education and philanthropy. The lowered flags will remain a symbolic gesture through the period specified, recognizing both her artistic achievements and her charitable legacy.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flag order | Half-staff until sunset Tuesday, Sept. 1 |
| Honoree | Dolly Parton, 80 |
| Imagination Library impact in Colorado | 3.5 million books delivered |
Authorities say more details about memorial events will follow as arrangements are announced by Parton’s family and national organizers. For now, the state’s gesture offers Colorado residents an opportunity to reflect on a figure whose work connected entertainment, business and philanthropy.
