Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pointed out that there is something beyond iconic country music super star, Dolly Parton’s extraordinary music, her fame, records, awards or wealth for which the world should treasure her more than ever before.
Mr. Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, said that the unique attribute that stands the late multimillionaire songwriter, singer, actress and philanthropist out, is that “success never made her forget where she came from.”
In an X post, Obi said: “There is something deeply moving about Dolly Parton that goes beyond her extraordinary music. For those of us who admire her, perhaps the most enduring part of her story is not the fame, the records, the awards or the wealth, but the person she remained after all of them.
“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. She came from poverty in rural Tennessee, from a large, humble 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.
“That is why her songs resonate so deeply. She sang about love, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, hope and the struggles of ordinary people—not merely as a performer, but as someone who understood them. Her music gave dignity to people who were often overlooked.
“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.
“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.
“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. -PO.”
