India, Aug. 31 -- A mayor in Mississippi found himself embroiled in controversy after expressing his belief that it was unsuitable to lower the American flag to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton after her death, prompting a backlash from several people.

In the wake of Parton's death last week at the age of 80, President Donald Trump mandated that American flags be flown at half-staff until September 1 to commemorate her legacy.

On Friday, Ken Adams, the Mayor of Olive Branch, released a statement on the town's Facebook page, stating that while he respected Parton and regarded her as "a great person," he believed that the decision to lower the flag in tribute to the beloved entertainer was not appropriate.

"I believe lowering the Amer...