OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - A mayor in Mississippi said flags should not be lowered for celebrities like Dolly Parton.
After Parton’s death Tuesday, President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor her life. Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams addressed the issue on the city’s Facebook page.
“First, there is no question that Dolly Parton was a great person. She brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life. I have nothing but respect for her,” he said.
Adams said that while he respects Parton, he does not believe flags should be lowered for her.
Adams said that if the flag is lowered every time a “well-known or beloved person” passes away, the honor is diminished.
“I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant,” he 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.”
Adams said that local government should be allowed to make “decisions for the people they represent.”
“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 said. “I also don’t believe residents elected me to be a ‘salute and execute’ Mayor but to lead with conviction.”
Adams said that his stance is not rooted in disrespect for Parton, but he believes that “the American flag at half-staff is one of the highest honors.” He said that the ceremony should be reserved for “truly extraordinary circumstances.”
“Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it,” he said.
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