US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton.

Trump made the announcement on Tuesday, August 25, as tributes continued to pour in for Parton, who died in Nashville at the age of 80.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, ever, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you. President Donald J. Trump.”

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a video shared on social media.

The Tennessee-born singer had a career spanning seven decades and became one of the most influential figures in country music, while also establishing herself as a songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.

Although Parton generally stayed away from political controversies, she had previously disclosed that she turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice during Trump’s first administration.

Speaking to the Today show in 2021, Parton explained her decision, saying: “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,”

She added: “Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure.”

Parton devoted much of her career to charitable causes, including childhood literacy through her Imagination Library programme, which has distributed millions of books to children.

She established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 and later created the Dolly Parton Scholarship for students from her home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

She also supported communities affected by disasters, including donating funds to victims of the devastating East Tennessee wildfires. In 2017, she donated $1 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Parton was recognised across the music industry for her extraordinary career. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recorded 25 No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

She also received 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations.

An official statement released following her death described the impact of her life and career.

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

Celtic are close to completing a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo, with the 18-year-old expected to move to the Scottish giants on loan for the remainder of the 2026-2027 season, according to Sky Sports UK.

Born in Arizona, United States, the versatile fullback is the son of former Super Eagles defender and Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who impressed at the 1994 World Cup as cover for the injured Benedict Iroha.

Celtic and Chelsea are finalising the details of a straight loan agreement that will see Emenalo provide cover for experienced left-back Kieran Tierney.

Landon was promoted to first-team training during pre-season preparations, where he showcased his versatility and composure despite his young age.

The England U19 international featured in the friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, playing 63 minutes in Chelsea’s 6-4 victory.

Emenalo is capable of operating both as a left-backCeltic To Wrap Up Loan Deal For Super Eagles Defender’s Son

Celtic are close to completing a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo, with the 18-year-old expected to move to the Scottish giants on loan for the remainder of the 2026-2027 season, according to Sky Sports UK.

Born in Arizona, United States, the versatile fullback is the son of former Super Eagles defender and Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who impressed at the 1994 World Cup as cover for the injured Benedict Iroha.

Celtic and Chelsea are finalising the details of a straight loan agreement that will see Emenalo provide cover for experienced left-back Kieran Tierney.
Celtic To Wrap Up Loan Deal For Super Eagles Defender’s Son

Celtic are close to completing a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo, with the 18-year-old expected to move to the Scottish giants on loan for the remainder of the 2026-2027 season, according to Sky Sports UK.

Born in Arizona, United States, the versatile fullback is the son of former Super Eagles defender and Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who impressed at the 1994 World Cup as cover for the injured Benedict Iroha.

Celtic and Chelsea are finalising the details of a straight loan agreement that will see Emenalo provide cover for experienced left-back Kieran Tierney.

Landon was promoted to first-team training during pre-season preparations, where he showcased his versatility and composure despite his young age.

The England U19 international featured in the friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, playing 63 minutes in Chelsea’s 6-4 victory.

Emenalo is capable of operating both as a left-back and in midfield, giving Celtic Celtic To Wrap Up Loan Deal For Super Eagles Defender’s Son

Celtic are close to completing a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo, with the 18-year-old expected to move to the Scottish giants on loan for the remainder of the 2026-2027 season, according to Sky Sports UK.

Born in Arizona, United States, the versatile fullback is the son of former Super Eagles defender and Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who impressed at the 1994 World Cup as cover for the injured Benedict Iroha.

Celtic and Chelsea are finalising the details of a straight loan agreement that will see Emenalo provide cover for experienced left-back Kieran Tierney.

Landon was promoted to first-team training during pre-season preparations, where he showcased his versatility and composure despite his young age.

The England U19 international featured in the friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, playing 63 minutes in Chelsea’s 6-4 victory.

Emenalo is capable of operating both as a left-back and in midfield, giving Celtic manager Martin O’Neill another option across two positions.

The teenager is currently recovering from a knock suffered during Chelsea training earlier this summer but he’s expected to complete the move before the transfer window closes for business.

He has received three call-ups for competitive matches played by the Blues but has yet to make his senior debut for the Premier League giants. Martin O’Neill another option across two positions.

The teenager is currently recovering from a knock suffered during Chelsea training earlier this summer but he’s expected to complete the move before the transfer window closes for business.

He has received three call-ups for competitive matches played by the Blues but has yet to make his senior debut for the Premier League giants.
Landon was promoted to first-team training during pre-season preparations, where he showcased his versatility and composure despite his young age.

The England U19 international featured in the friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, playing 63 minutes in Chelsea’s 6-4 victory.

Emenalo is capable of operating both as a left-back and in midfield, giving Celtic manager Martin O’Neill another option across two positions.

The teenager is currently recovering from a knock suffered during Chelsea training earlier this summer but he’s expected to complete the move before the transfer window closes for business.

He has received three call-ups for competitive matches played by the Blues but has yet to make his senior debut for the Premier League giants. and in midfield, giving Celtic manager Martin O’Neill another option across two positions.

The teenager is currently recovering from a knock suffered during Chelsea training earlier this summer but he’s expected to complete the move before the transfer window closes for business.

He has received three call-ups for competitive matches played by the Blues but has yet to make his senior debut for the Premier League giants.

Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino, insisting the Swiss administrator has “not done anything wrong” and deserves another term at the helm of world football.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker believes Infantino’s leadership has transformed global football, particularly by creating more opportunities for smaller nations and boosting football development across Africa.

Speaking to CNN Sports, Eto’o argued that the recent scrutiny surrounding Infantino should be viewed in the context of the upcoming election rather than as a reflection of his leadership.

“He has not done anything wrong”

Eto’o made his position unmistakably clear when asked about the criticism directed at the FIFA president.

“I don’t think that President Gianni Infantino has done anything wrong,” Eto’o said.

The FECAFOOT president suggested that the timing of the criticism is closely linked to FIFA’s electoral cycle.

The four-time African Player of the Year credited Infantino with reshaping international football by expanding access to major tournaments.

Eto’o pointed to the FIFA World Cup’s expansion as one of the Swiss official’s most significant achievements.

He said, “President Gianni Infantino has changed football. He’s given opportunities to nations that didn’t have those opportunities to take part in the most beautiful tournament, the World Cup. He enabled smaller nations to get seats at these competitions.”

Beyond the expanded World Cup, Eto’o believes African football has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Infantino’s presidency.

The former Cameroon captain praised FIFA’s support for national associations across the continent.

He added, “He has helped our continent. He’s helped our federations to develop much more quickly. We need to acknowledge that. We need to accept and recognise what he’s done, and we should support him for everything he’s done up to now.”

Infantino’s presidency has faced criticism from several football organisations, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, particularly after a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA tournaments was eventually abandoned.

Despite that opposition, the FIFA president continues to enjoy strong backing from much of African football.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already declared its support for Infantino’s re-election campaign, giving him a significant bloc of votes ahead of the next presidential contest.