Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff for a period of one week in honor and remembrance of legendary entertainer Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80.
Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
“Dolly Parton was an American icon who brought people together and spread joy,” Beshear said in a statement on social media. “In Kentucky, she shared her love of reading through her Imagination Library, sparking brighter futures for thousands of children across our commonwealth. There aren’t enough words to sum up the impact and legacy Dolly leaves behind, but it is clear that it will continue for generations to come. Britainy and I are praying for Dolly’s family and all those hurting from this enormous loss.”
Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the Commonwealth to join in this tribute. Flag status information is available at governor.ky.gov/flag-status.
While Dolly Parton touched many lives throughout her career — through her music and her refreshing honesty, celebrating her humble roots and uplifting all people — she was especially well-known for her commitment to literacy and her support of the Dolly Partion Imagination Library.
Her free books for kids, starting at birth, brings the gift of reading to many kids in the Northern Kentucky region. The board and staff of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky issued this statement on her death:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder and inspiration, Dolly Parton. We were so proud to realize her dream of the Imagination Library across the entire Commonwealth, and we will forever be grateful that she can to celebrate with us in 2024.
“She leaves a legacy unlike any other in American life, and it will live on every time a Kentucky child receives her gift of reading.”