Mississippi mayor argues against lowering flag for Dolly Parton after her death
Olive Branch Mayor Says Flag Half‑Staff Reserved for “Significant” Events
Olive Branch, Miss. – After country singer Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday at age 80, the city of Olive Branch found itself debating whether to lower the U.S. and state flags to half‑staff. Mayor Ken Adams, who has served since 2012, took to the city’s Facebook page Friday to explain why he would not follow the President’s and governor’s lead, citing the need to preserve the meaning of the gesture.
Adams said the American flag at half‑staff should be reserved for “military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents, and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.” He added, “If we lower the flag every time a well‑known or beloved person passes away, we eventually lessen the meaning of the gesture.” The mayor also stressed that the decision was not a matter of disrespecting Parton, whom he called a “great person who brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life.”
In his post, Adams noted that “the President can make the decision for the country. The Governor can make the decision for the State of Mississippi. I believe a mayor should have the ability to make a decision for his or her city.” He emphasized that Olive Branch, like all Mississippi municipalities, operates under home rule, giving local governments broad discretion over such matters.
Parton died on Tuesday, and President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered for one week across the nation. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves similarly directed state flags to half‑staff. The governor’s action, which is a state‑level decision, mirrored the presidential directive.
The mayor’s comments prompted a mix of reactions in the comments section of his Facebook post. Some residents urged him to honor Parton, noting her philanthropic work for children and the millions of books she donated through her literacy program. Others defended his position, arguing that the flag should remain a symbol of national sacrifice. A veteran and first responder who identified himself in the comments said he was “100% OK with lowering the flags for Dolly” and cited her support for the military and charitable causes.
Mayor Adams has not yet confirmed whether Olive Branch will lower its flags in her honor. He also said he had no intention of “saluting and executing” but rather “leading with conviction.”
The debate over flag etiquette is not new. In the wake of other high‑profile deaths, local officials across the country have weighed the symbolic value of lowering flags against the potential for “flag fatigue.” For Olive Branch, the decision will likely remain tied to the mayor’s stated criteria for “significant” events.
The city’s office has not issued a follow‑up statement. Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office for comment, but no response has been received yet.