The mayor of a Mississippi community has drawn sharp backlash after publicly objecting to calls for flags to be lowered in honor of country music icon Dolly Parton following her death.
Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams shared his position on social media after news of Parton’s passing, saying he did not support flying the city’s flags at half-staff as a tribute to the beloved singer and entertainer.
‘I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant,’ Adams wrote.
He added that, in his view, the honor should be limited to “our military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders,” as well as moments or tragedies that have profoundly affected the nation.
Adams argued that ordering flags lowered whenever a widely admired public figure dies could, over time, diminish the weight and symbolism of the gesture.
Adams’ opposition came after President Donald Trump and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves ordered US and state flags to be flown at half-staff for one week following Parton’s death.
In his statement, Adams said he would use local rules to oppose the governor and president’s orders.
‘I also believe there is a role for local government in these decisions. Mississippi cities operate under Home Rule,’ the mayor wrote.
Ken Adams, the mayor of Olive Branch, Mississippi, sparked fury after arguing against lowering flags to commemorate the late country music legend Dolly Parton
Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 aged 80
Adams said he would use local rules in Olive Branch (pictured) to oppose orders from the president and governor to fly flasg at half-staff
‘We have locally elected officials who are responsible for making decisions for the people we represent. I don’t believe that means we should disregard what the President or Governor decides.
‘It means we have the ability to use our own judgment when appropriate.’
Adams said while the president and governor can make decisions for the nation and the state, ‘I believe a mayor should have the ability to make a decision for his or her city.
‘I also don’t believe residents elected me to be a “salute and execute” Mayor but to lead with conviction,’ he continued.
‘This isn’t about disrespecting Dolly Parton. It isn’t about politics. 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.
‘Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it.’
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Flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings by President Donald Trump, seen outside the White House on August 25
Adams’ post was met with fury from the mayor’s constituents
Adams’ post was met with fury from the mayor’s constituents, with one saying his opposition to honoring Parton ‘made my choice in the next election.’
‘I’d lower it for Dolly before any politician,’ one person responded.
Another who said he is a veteran and first responder said he disagreed with Adams’ assertion that flag-lowering should be reserved only for people like him, because ‘she gave her time and money to the military and multiple organizations… She earned this.’
‘You have turned something simple, sweet and respectful that nobody would have been taking about, into something ALL about YOU. And then say it’s not political?’ another person responded.
The Daily Mail has contacted Mayor Adams for comment.
The backlash comes as tributes to Parton were displayed across the nation following the singer’s death from cancer last week at the age of 80.
However, in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to introduce traffic signs paying homage to Parton led to reports that the Democrat accidentally violated federal road safety guidelines.
Hochul honored Parton with road signs referencing the late star’s hits, including ‘Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, don’t speed’ and ‘I will always love safe driving’.
The backlash comes as tributes to Parton were displayed across the nation following the singer’s death aged 80
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to introduce traffic signs paying homage to Parton led to reports that the Democrat accidentally violated federal road safety guidelines
Hochul’s traffic signs tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton may have backfired after they were allegedly found to violate federal road safety rules
The signs were lit up on highway signs across New York state on Thursday and Friday, but reports say Hochul’s tribute may flout federal rules introduced by the Biden administration.
The messages appear to violate guidelines that discourage distracting drivers, according to the New York Post.
The guidelines for the Federal Highway Administration, introduced by the Biden administration in December 2023, state that road signs must be ‘simple, direct, legible and clear.’
The rules also state that signs must only include important information, and avoid pop-culture references that may be ‘obscure’ or ‘take greater time to process.’
Officials told the Post that while Hochul’s traffic signs may violate the rules, they are not necessarily illegal.