Ken Adams, the mayor of Olive Branch, Mississippi, has publicly argued against lowering the American flag to half-staff in honour of Dolly Parton following her death, saying the gesture should be reserved for military heroes, first responders, presidents and other figures of major national significance. Writing on the city's Facebook page, Adams said that praising every beloved public figure in this way would "lessen the meaning of the gesture" over time, though he stressed his stance was not intended to disrespect Parton, whom he called a "great person".

Both President Donald Trump and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves had ordered US and state flags to be flown at half-staff for a week following Parton's death at the age of 80 on Tuesday. Adams cited Mississippi's "Home Rule" provisions, which he said give local governments discretion separate from state and federal directives, arguing a mayor should be able to make such calls for their own city rather than automatically following higher authorities. His comments drew strong criticism online, with residents pointing to Parton's charitable work, including her donation of 325 million books to children, as evidence she deserved the honour; Adams did not clarify whether the flag would ultimately be lowered in Olive Branch.