Ken Adams

“I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant,”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams wrote on the city's Facebook page explaining his position against lowering the flag for Dolly Parton.

“nothing but respect for her.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams said he had respect for Dolly Parton despite his decision regarding the flag.

“Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams concluded that preserving the meaning of an honor requires being selective about its use.

“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.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams wrote on the city's Facebook page explaining his position against lowering the flag for Dolly Parton.

“brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams acknowledged Dolly Parton as a great person in his Facebook post before explaining his flag decision.

“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.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams wrote on the city's Facebook page explaining his position against lowering the flag for Dolly Parton.

“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,”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams said the half-staff flag is one of the highest honors and should be reserved for extraordinary circumstances.

“disrespecting Dolly Parton. It isn’t about politics. And it certainly isn’t about saying she wasn’t a great American.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams stressed his decision was not about disrespect, politics, or denying Parton's greatness as an American.

“I also don’t believe residents elected me to be a ‘salute and execute’ Mayor but to lead with conviction.”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams argued he was elected to lead with conviction rather than simply follow orders.

“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,”

Ken Adams · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-30

Adams argued that local mayors should have discretion over flag decisions in their cities.