The Republican mayor of Olive Branch, Mississippi, has made the controversial decision not to lower his town’s U.S. flags to half-staff for the late country music superstar Dolly Parton.

In a lengthy note published on Facebook Saturday, Mayor Ken Adams argued that lowering flags for Parton ― who died on Aug. 25 at 80 ― would “lessen the meaning of the gesture.”

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

Last week, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff for a week to commemorate Parton, who he described as “one of the greatest.”

“Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

In his Facebook post, Adams acknowledged Trump’s order, but added: “I believe a mayor should have the ability to make a decision for his or her city. I also don’t believe residents elected me to be a ‘salute and execute’ Mayor but to lead with conviction.”

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

As of Monday afternoon, Adams’ post had been hit with more than 2,000 comments, many of which blasted him for denying “a respectful and beautiful gesture” to the 11-time Grammy winner.

“Note to politicians who would like to be re-elected: it would be wise not to criticize the gestures related to the remembrance of Dolly Parton’s legacy,” one person wrote. “She holds a fairly unanimous love, and she deserves it.”

“The fact that you believe this shows just how little you truly know about Dolly Parton and why she’s so beloved. This is shameful. That woman’s philanthropy did more than most local governments,” another person added. “People of Olive Branch, MS—you now know who to put out of a job come next election year.”

“This post just made my choice for next election, if he is in the running. Did you lower the flag for Lindsey Graham? Dolly has done more with her Imagination Library for the people in this country than any politician ever could. Those books to children offer a pathway to education! But politicians don’t want educated people they want puppets. All this tells me is someone wants to exert their power and make a stance because they can. One more politician that thinks he is above reproach!” another person noted.

Some defended Adams’ stance.

“Kindness isn’t a public office, and fame isn’t national service. The flag should mark those who held the public trust or fell in service, not every beloved entertainer who lived well,” one person wrote.

The practice of lowering flags to half-staff has traditionally been reserved for political figures and military heroes, or to mark days of national remembrance and tragedy. However, Parton ― who remained publicly apolitical throughout her career ― wasn’t the first high-profile cultural figure to be commemorated in such a fashion.

In 2003, former President George W. Bush ordered flags lowered for comedian Bob Hope, who died that year at 99. More controversially, Trump bestowed the honor on right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University last year.

While Parton may not be getting official recognition in Olive Branch, plans for a more permanent memorial appear to be taking shape in her home state of Tennessee. Last week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and Nashville International Airport announced their intent to rename the travel hub in her honor.

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