A Mississippi mayor has drawn criticism after publicly questioning whether the American flag should be lowered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton, whose death prompted tributes from across the country.
After Parton died last week at age 80, President Donald Trump directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff until September 1 as a national tribute to the beloved entertainer.
On Friday, Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams shared a statement on the city’s Facebook page, saying that although he respected Parton and considered her “a great person,” he felt the decision to lower the flag in her memory was not appropriate.
“I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant,” Adams said. “In my opinion, it should be reserved for our military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.”
He added that using the gesture too broadly could dilute its importance. “If we lower the flag every time a well-known or beloved person passes away, I believe we eventually lessen the meaning of the gesture.”
Our News Outlet has contacted representatives for the city of Olive Branch seeking additional comment.
Ken Adams, mayor of a small Mississippi city, has faced backlash after arguing against lowering the flag to honor the late Dolly Parton; (L) Parton pictured in 2022
Adams (pictured) received sharp pushback from commenters who disagreed with his view on whether the flag should be lowered for Parton
Adams said he feels that local officials should have ‘the ability to use our own judgment when appropriate.’
The mayor said that the issue ‘isn’t about disrespecting Dolly Parton … and it certainly isn’t about saying she wasn’t a great American.’
‘It’s simply my belief that the American flag at half-staff is one of the highest honors we can give, and I believe that honor should be reserved for truly extraordinary circumstances.’
He wrapped up the statement in saying that ‘sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it.’
It was not immediately clear whether or not Adams had the town’s flag lowered amid his statement.
Adams faced significant pushback from commenters who disagreed with his assessment on the merits of lowering the flag for Parton.
‘I’d lower it for Dolly before any politician,’ one user said, while another said that Parton ‘did more for children than any politician ever has,’ adding that raises her status ‘from “just a celebrity.”‘
One commenter noted how Adams said that the honor should be ‘reserved for people who made a tremendous impact?’
Adams posted a statement on the town’s Facebook page saying that while he respected Parton and thought she was ‘a great person,’ he believed that the decision to lower the flag in memory of the beloved entertainer was misguided
Adams faced heavy criticism from a number of commenters on the social media platform
Numerous users cited Parton’s achievements in justifying their support for the decision, comparing her with others who have had the flag lowered in their memory
Some users said they agreed with what Adams had stated
One dubbed Parton ‘the most unifying figure of the past 40 years … [who] she donated 325 million books to kids,’ adding, ‘Sounds like an impact … what have you done?’
Said one user: ‘As a veteran and first responder I’m 100% ok with lowering the flags for Dolly. She gave her time and money to the military and multiply organizations. She earned this.’
A number of commenters insinuated that Adams hadn’t done himself any favors politically with the stance on Parton.
‘This post just made my choice for next election, if he is in the running,’ one user said, while another added, ‘I think elected officials tend to forget they are ELECTED.’
One user suggested to ‘remember this when elections come back around.’
Multiple users listed off decades of efforts Parton had made toward the U.S. military and charitable organizations, while one noted that a precedent had been set in the same vein.
‘Flags were lowered to half staff when Bob Hope died,’ the user said. ‘So this action is not unique for Dolly. It’s a sign of respect for someone who represents the best of America.’
Some marveled at Adams’ decision-making in putting the post up in the first place.
Said one commenter: ‘There are certain times when it’s best to just say nothing. This is one of those occasions.’
Another said, ‘At anytime while you were writing this, did you think to yourself, “this might be a bad idea?”
President Donald Trump called Parton’s death a profound loss for millions; Parton pictured 2009
Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until September 1 in honor of the singer, who died aged 80
Parton, the legendary queen of country music, leaves behind a towering musical legacy and legions of grieving fans
Join the discussion
What does lowering the flag truly represent, and who deserves this honor in American society today?
A small fraction of users said they agreed with what Adams had stated.
One person noted, ‘If we start lowering the flags for everybody that’s done wonderful things then we might as well Keep them half staff every day.’
Another commenter said it was pivotal to ‘keep some of our traditions as they were originally intended instead of having selective relativism apply to everything.’
The country music legend’s death shocked the world and came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fueling fan fears for her well-being.
On Tuesday, Parton’s representatives revealed she died following a ‘brief battle with cancer’ in a statement to People, though they did not disclose what type of cancer it was.
The star’s death was first confirmed Tuesday in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also acted as her head of security.
Fellow stars paid tribute following the news, including Hillary Clinton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Khloe Kardashian and more.
