Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags at the State Capitol Complex and all public buildings and grounds across Michigan to be lowered to half-staff at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The action follows an order by President Donald Trump to honor country music legend Dolly Parton.
"Dolly Parton represents the best of America's values. Her empathy, grit, and spirit define what a star can be in this country. Her legacy is embodied by her incredible commitment to literacy that has helped so many Michigan kids read," Whitmer said.
Parton, a Tennessee native, built a seven-decade career in country music with dozens of top ten hits and notable film roles in "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias." She published her memoir, "Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business," in 1994. The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted her in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Beginning in 1995, Parton founded the Imagination Library, a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children ages 0-5. Created as a tribute to her father, the program has distributed more than 300 million books across multiple countries.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and organizations are encouraged to display flags at half-staff. Flags will be returned to full staff at sunset on September 1, 2026.