President Donald Trump claimed country music icon Dolly Parton “really liked” him during a radio interview Wednesday, days after the legendary singer’s death at age 80.

Parton died following a brief cancer battle, her nephew Brian Seaver announced Tuesday in an Instagram video. The country music icon had spent decades avoiding political commentary despite pressure to engage in public debates.

Trump’s Tribute and Claims

Trump posted a statement on Truth Social calling Parton “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.” He ordered flags at the White House and federal buildings to fly at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026.

During an appearance on Glenn Beck’s radio show Wednesday, Trump made fresh claims about his relationship with the late singer. “She really liked me, I will tell you,” Trump said, according to the New York Post.

Trump added that he knew Parton “a little bit” and described her as “amazing” and “a great person.” He suggested Parton’s political neutrality stemmed from not wanting to alienate fans, saying she believed speaking out could cost her significant audience support.

Parton’s Political Stance

Parton declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom from both Trump in 2021 and later from former President Joe Biden. She cited her husband’s health and COVID-19 pandemic concerns when rejecting the Trump-era honor.

When discussing Biden’s offer on NBC’s Today show, Parton said accepting would appear as though she were “doing politics.” The singer maintained a deliberate distance from partisan issues throughout her career despite her prominence in American culture.

Trump’s campaign featured Parton’s song “Jolene” on its official playlist, though the nature of any personal friendship between them remained unclear prior to his Wednesday comments.