Karoline Leavitt marked her final day as White House press secretary on Thursday with a lighthearted social media post, closing a prominent chapter in President Donald Trump’s second administration while preparing for a new role outside the White House.
Leavitt shared a video showing herself arriving at the White House and paired the clip with Dolly Parton’s famous workplace anthem, “9 to 5.” In the accompanying text, she suggested that her White House schedule was closer to working from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., reflecting the demanding hours that come with serving as the president’s chief spokesperson.
The video was posted a day after flags across the United States were lowered to half-staff as fans mourned Parton, who died at 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Family becomes priority after White House service
Trump announced earlier in August that Leavitt would leave her position at the end of the month. Her decision followed the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May and her subsequent return from maternity leave.
Leavitt said she wanted to devote more time to her young children, making family a central factor in her decision to step away from one of the most demanding communications jobs in Washington.
NEW – Karoline Leavitt posts White House ‘last day’ video featuring Dolly Parton song https://t.co/U3t7sXLuYq pic.twitter.com/TQ39vBOEiU
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 27, 2026
Her departure, however, does not mean a complete break from Trump’s political operation. Trump and Leavitt have said she will continue working as an outside communications adviser and political operative, allowing her to remain involved with the broader MAGA movement without maintaining the daily schedule required of a White House press secretary.
Trump praised Leavitt’s work following the announcement of her departure, describing her as a trusted and effective figure in his political operation. Leavitt, meanwhile, characterized her time in the White House as the “honor and adventure of a lifetime.”
Trump weighs Leavitt’s successor
With Leavitt finishing her tenure, attention has shifted toward who will take over the White House briefing room. On her final day, Leavitt indicated that there is a list of potential successors but that Trump has not yet made a final decision.
She made clear that the choice ultimately belongs to the president, even as discussions continue over who is best suited to become the administration’s next public-facing spokesperson.
Leavitt’s farewell video offered a lighter ending to a demanding period of government service. While Thursday marked the end of her daily role inside the White House, her planned transition to outside advisory and political work means she is expected to remain connected to Trump and his movement.
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