“In my opinion, it should be reserved for our military heroes<\/a>, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n DOLLY PARTON’S LIFE IN HER OWN WORDS: FROM SMOKY MOUNTAINS POVERTY TO COUNTRY MUSIC IMMORTALITY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at age 80. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n Adams began his post by acknowledging the “9 to 5” songstress as a “great person” who “brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life.”<\/p>\n He said he had “nothing but respect for her.”<\/p>\n SHERRILL RIPPED AFTER NEW JERSEY SKIPS FLAG DIRECTIVE HONORING GRAHAM: \u2018MOST POLITICAL GOVERNOR\u2019<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Adams said while he doesn\u2019t believe local governments should disregard the president or the governor, Mississippi operates under home rule, which he said gives local governments broad discretion.<\/p>\n Both President Donald Trump and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves ordered U.S. and state flags<\/a> flown at half-staff for one week after her death at age 80 Tuesday.<\/p>\n DOLLY PARTON REFUSED TO PICK POLITICAL SIDES FOR DECADES: \u2018I\u2019M NOT IN POLITICS, I\u2019M AN ENTERTAINER\u2019<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “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,” Adams continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n “I also don\u2019t believe residents elected me to be a \u2018salute and execute\u2019 Mayor but to lead with conviction.”<\/p>\n The American flag over the White House was lowered to half-staff Tuesday in honor of country music icon Dolly Parton, who died at age 80. President Donald Trump ordered the lowering of flags for one week. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n He stressed that his decision wasn\u2019t about “disrespecting Dolly Parton. It isn\u2019t about politics. And it certainly isn\u2019t about saying she wasn\u2019t a great American.”<\/p>\n DOLLY PARTON’S BELOVED LITERACY MISSION SEES SURGE OF SUPPORT AFTER COUNTRY ICON’S DEATH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “It\u2019s 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 said. “Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it.”<\/p>\n Adams faced criticism in the comments, with one person writing, “She did more for children than any politician ever has. That should raise her status in your eyes from \u2018just a celebrity.\u2019”<\/p>\n City Hallin Olive Branch, Miss. (City of Olive Branch\/Facebook)<\/p>\n![\"Dolly](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/dolly-parton-glastonbury-festival-pyramid-stage.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"American](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/white-house-flag-half-staff-dolly-parton.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Olive](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/city-of-olive-branch-mississippi.jpg\")
<\/p>\n