Flags at half staff by order of Gov. Brian Kemp

WHEREAS

Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean was an exceptional talent, singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, businesswoman, and American treasure, as well as a woman of joyful and enduring faith; and 

Born in a one-room cabin in Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children and grew up in a family she called “dirt poor,” but one rich in faith and joy – an upbringing she memorialized in songs like “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” and “Coat of Many Colors;” and 

Dolly moved to Nashville the day after graduating high school to begin what would ultimately be an historic country music career, meeting the man who would become her husband of nearly 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, the very same day. Two years later in 1966, they married in Ringgold, Georgia, in part because the town’s name reminded her of "rings of gold," which she took as a good sign for her marriage; and 

Spanning over seven decades, Dolly’s extraordinary career earned her 25 No. 1 country singles; 11 Grammy Awards; induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; many arts and humanities honors; starring roles in movies like “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” Joyful Noise,” and others; numerous television appearances; and fame around the world; and 

Of all her many achievements and honors, perhaps the most long-lasting and meaningful is Dolly Parton's abiding place in the hearts and memories of so many who appreciated her genuine kindness, her larger-than-life talents, and her sincerity when she sang those timeless lyrics: “I will always love you;” and 

It is fitting and proper to honor Dolly Parton’s memory by lowering the flags on all State buildings and grounds to half-staff. 

NOW, THEREFORE, IN HONOR AND AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE MEMORY OF DOLLY PARTON, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: 

That the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Georgia be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds for a one-week period beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. 

This 25th day of August 2026.