The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to American country music icon Dolly Parton, describing her as a compassionate soul whose success never made her forget her humble beginnings.
Obi, in a post on X, reflected on Parton’s life and legacy, saying her greatest achievement went beyond her music, fame, awards and wealth to the person she remained throughout her life.
“There is something deeply moving about Dolly Parton that goes beyond her extraordinary music,” Obi wrote. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor noted that Parton was raised in poverty in rural Tennessee in a large family that had little materially but was rich in love, faith, resilience and strong family values.
He said the music icon never forgot her roots, but instead carried the experiences of her upbringing into her music and personal life.
According to Obi, Parton’s songs resonated with millions because she sang about love, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, hope and the struggles of ordinary people from a place of personal understanding.
“Her music gave dignity to people who were often overlooked,” he said.
Obi also praised Parton for maintaining her warmth, humility and generosity despite attaining global fame and immense wealth, particularly highlighting her concern for children, the poor and people in need.
He said he admired Parton not only for becoming a great musician but also because “success never made her forget where she came from.”
Obi referenced Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors” as an example of how she transformed her humble upbringing into music that comforted and inspired millions.
“For me, that is her greatest song: the sound of a good heart that never forgot its roots,” he said.
Obi concluded his tribute by praying for the late singer, saying, “May God Almighty, who made her such a compassionate soul, grant her soul eternal rest.”
Obi, in a post on X, reflected on Parton’s life and legacy, saying her greatest achievement went beyond her music, fame, awards and wealth to the person she remained throughout her life.
“There is something deeply moving about Dolly Parton that goes beyond her extraordinary music,” Obi wrote. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor noted that Parton was raised in poverty in rural Tennessee in a large family that had little materially but was rich in love, faith, resilience and strong family values.
He said the music icon never forgot her roots, but instead carried the experiences of her upbringing into her music and personal life.
According to Obi, Parton’s songs resonated with millions because she sang about love, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, hope and the struggles of ordinary people from a place of personal understanding.
“Her music gave dignity to people who were often overlooked,” he said.
Obi also praised Parton for maintaining her warmth, humility and generosity despite attaining global fame and immense wealth, particularly highlighting her concern for children, the poor and people in need.
He said he admired Parton not only for becoming a great musician but also because “success never made her forget where she came from.”
Obi referenced Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors” as an example of how she transformed her humble upbringing into music that comforted and inspired millions.
“For me, that is her greatest song: the sound of a good heart that never forgot its roots,” he said.
Obi concluded his tribute by praying for the late singer, saying, “May God Almighty, who made her such a compassionate soul, grant her soul eternal rest.”
