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President Donald Trump has apparently committed the grave offense of believing Dolly Parton was important enough to warrant lowering the American flag, prompting one Mississippi mayor to ask a question that could get him permanently banned from several country music Facebook groups:
What if we stopped lowering the flag every time a beloved celebrity dies?
Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams (R) has pushed back against the decision to fly American flags at half-staff following Parton’s death, arguing that the honor should retain some actual meaning rather than becoming the national equivalent of changing your Facebook profile picture.
"I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant," Adams wrote on the city’s Facebook page Friday.
"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.
"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."
Naturally, this position immediately placed Adams in the dangerous political territory known as "having an opinion about Dolly Parton."
Adams went out of his way to praise the country music legend, describing the "9 to 5" singer as a "great person" who "brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life."
He also emphasized that he had "nothing but respect for her."
Apparently, however, respect does not automatically include lowering the Stars and Stripes every time someone with a platinum record dies.
The mayor explained that he was not attempting to disrespect either the president or the governor, noting that Mississippi’s home rule system gives local governments broad discretion.
"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.
"I also don’t believe residents elected me to be a ‘salute and execute’ Mayor but to lead with conviction."
That last sentence may have caused several people to drop their casseroles.
President Trump and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff for one week following Parton’s death at age 80.
Trump defended the decision while also explaining that the honor was not intended to diminish the significance of the flag.
"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 said.
Trump stressed that the decision wasn’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," he said. "Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it."
Unfortunately for Adams, the internet has determined that there is apparently no greater crime than insufficient enthusiasm for Dolly Parton.
One commenter informed him:
"She did more for children than any politician ever has. That should raise her status in your eyes from ‘just a celebrity.’"
Another declared:
"I’d lower it for Dolly before any politician."
A third commenter apparently decided the mayor needed to be reminded that Dolly Parton is essentially a one-woman federal agency.
"When you said 'it's simply my belief', I guess you said it all. Doesn't matter to you what the President, the Governor or your residents believe. And 'reserved for people who made a tremendous impact?' Well...she was probably the most unifying figure of the past 40 years; and she donated 325 million books to kids. Sounds like an impact."
A veteran and first responder also disagreed with Adams, writing that he was "100% ok with lowering the flags for Dolly. She gave her time and money to the military and multiply organizations. She earned this."
And there lies the great American flag debate of 2026:
Is the Stars and Stripes supposed to honor the people who built, defended and led the nation, or is it now America's official participation trophy?
Adams never clarified whether his statement meant the flag actually would not be lowered in Olive Branch.
Which means the city may soon face its most dangerous civic emergency since someone suggested canceling the annual Fourth of July fireworks.
The Dolly Parton Incident has officially begun.
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