[Obituary]: Dolly Parton’s legacy transcends music, Peter Obi says

The late Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s greatness extended far beyond her songs, Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi said as he paid tribute to the late country music legend.

Obi posted on X on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following Parton’s death on August 25 at the age of 80. 

In his message, he noted that her lasting impact wasn’t limited to music, fame, awards, records, or wealth, it was also embodied in the person she remained despite her global success.

“Dolly Parton’s greatness, to me, goes far beyond her extraordinary music. It is in the person she remained despite the fame, wealth and success,” Obi said.

He noted that Parton grew up in poverty in rural Tennessee in a large family with little materially but rich in love, faith, resilience and family values.

“She never seemed to forget those beginnings. Instead, she carried them into her music and her life,” he said.

According to Obi, Parton’s songs resonated deeply because she sang about love, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, hope and the struggles of ordinary people.

“Her music gave dignity to people who were often overlooked.”

Obi also praised Parton’s compassion and generosity, particularly towards children, the poor and people in need.

“Her compassion seemed to flow naturally from her upbringing. Even at the height of her success, she retained a remarkable warmth, humility and generosity, particularly toward children, the poor and those in need,” he said.

He said he admired Parton not only for becoming a great musician but also because she never allowed success to make her forget her roots.

“I admire Dolly Parton not simply because she became a great musician, but because success never made her forget where she came from. She turned her humble beginnings into music (Coat of Many Colors) that comforted millions and a life that continues to inspire.”

He described Parton’s compassion as her greatest legacy.

“For me, that is her greatest song: the sound of a good heart that never forgot its roots.

“May God Almighty, who made her such a compassionate soul, grant her soul eternal rest,” he said.

Parton, who rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of country music’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, reportedly died at the age of 80.

Her career spanned more than six decades, during which she sold more than 100 million records globally and became known as the “Queen of Country Music.”

She was also known for hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as her philanthropic work, including the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy.

Share on Google Plus

About Newsmart