Former presidents honor Dolly Parton following singer’s passing

Three of the four living former presidents have released statements honoring the late country singer Dolly Parton in the hours after her passing was announced Tuesday following her battle with cancer and other recent health issues. Former Presidents Clinton, Obama and Bush each paid tribute to Parton in statements praising her artistic and philanthropic efforts, while President Trump also released a statement lauding the late singer and ordering flags across the country to fly at half-staff for a week to recognize Parton’s contributions to society, culture and American life. The presidents joined a host of other current and former officeholders across the political spectrum who have released statements mourning Parton's passing. “It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine,” Obama wrote on social media after Parton passed. “What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans,” he added. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. "In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM." The singer is responsible for writing “I Will Always Love You,” a hit single that rose to the top …