Indigenous Minister Malarndirri McCarthy Orders Aboriginal Flags To Be Flown At Half Mast For Dolly Parton

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The Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians has today called for all Aboriginal flags to be lowered to half mast, as a tribute and a show of mourning for one of the communities most beloved country musicians of all times.

Dolly Parton has died, aged 80.

Not since the deaths of Slim Dusty and Charley Pride has there been such a loss for the First Nations community.

As a proud Yanyuwa Garrwa, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy says it must not be understated how much this Tennessee songstress meant for all the aunties - and all the generations of Indigenous people that were raised listening to her music.

With a highly decorated career that saw her sell 100 million records, star in multiple blockbuster films and action a global philanthropic project to combat illiteracy rates - Dolly Parton was a hero to billions.

But it could be argued that Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people loved her more than most.

“This goes without saying” said Senator McCarthy during an address to the upper house today.

“Flags will be at half mast for our Aunty Dolly”

“We will never forget the love she showed the world, and the patience she showed that no-good Jolene”