Trump makes bizarre Dolly Parton comment hours after her death

Donald Trump has claimed Dolly Parton ‘really liked’ him following the country music legend’s death at the age of 80.

During a guest appearance on The Glenn Beck Program, Trump reflected on his relationship with Parton while speaking by phone, saying he had known her ‘a little bit’ and describing her as a ‘great person’ and a ‘nice person’.

He said: “We all knew her so well. I knew her a little bit.

"She wasn’t a very political person. She really liked me… she was a great person, she was a nice person. I liked her a lot."

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Brian Seaver, who confirmed the news in a video announcement.

The singer had maintained a reputation for largely keeping herself outside party politics throughout her decades-long career, making Trump’s comments about their personal relationship particularly notable.

Trump said Dolly Parton ‘really liked’ him while discussing the singer after her death. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)

What did Donald Trump say about Dolly Parton?

Trump spoke about Parton hours after news of her death emerged, recalling her positively while acknowledging that she had not been heavily involved in political affairs.

His comments came after he had already issued a public tribute to the musician on Truth Social.

In his statement, Trump described Parton as one of the greatest country singers ever and announced that American flags would be lowered to half-staff across the country in her memory.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He went on to say that there had ‘never been anyone like her’ and that there never would be, before announcing the flag order.

“In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6:00 PM,” Trump wrote.

He finished the message with a simple tribute: “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

Parton was known for her ability to appeal to audiences across the political spectrum, while generally avoiding becoming identified with a particular political movement.

Her death therefore prompted tributes from beyond the world of country music, with Trump among those publicly mourning her.

Donald Trump has ordered flags across the US to be flown at half mast following the passing of Dolly Parton (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

Why was Dolly Parton known for staying out of politics?

Parton built a career spanning music, film and business while generally attempting to keep political divisions away from her public image.

Rather than positioning herself firmly within one political camp, she became one of the most recognisable figures in American entertainment, with songs including Jolene and 9 to 5 helping establish her as a cultural icon.

That approach has also meant that politicians from different sides of the political divide have sought to associate themselves with her popularity over the years.