File: NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to late American country music icon Dolly Parton, describing her greatness as extending beyond her music.

Obi stated this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, following Parton’s death at the age of 80.

He said Parton’s enduring legacy was not only her music, fame, records, awards and wealth, but the person she remained despite her 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.”

Dolly Parton performing in 2023. Pic: AP

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.”

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.