- Safiu Kehinde
The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to late legendary American singer, Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80.
NPO Reported that ‘Coat of Many Colours’ crooner passed away on Tuesday with the cause of her death initially undisclosed.
It would be confirmed on Wednesday that Parton died after brief battle with cancer.
Reacting to the news of the singer’s demise in a statement issued on his X handle, Obi hailed the late Parton for her extraordinary music.
The former Anambra state governor lauded her modesty and humility which he described as the most enduring pat of the late singer’s story.
‘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.’ He said.
Obi narrated Patron’s humble background as he expressed admiration with the legendary singer’s ability to turn her humble beginnings into music that resonated with ordinary people.
”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.’ He said.
Obi maintained that Parton’s compassion seemed to flow naturally from her upbringing as he identified Coat of Many Colours as her greates song.
‘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.’ He said.