Nigeria’s entertainment community has joined the global outpouring of tributes following the death of American country music legend, Dolly Parton, with the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) honouring the late icon’s extraordinary contribution to music, entertainment and humanitarian causes.

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer. Her death brought an end to a career spanning more than six decades and established her as one of the most influential singer-songwriters and entertainers of her generation.

In its tribute, PMAN National President, Pretty Okafor described Parton as a global icon whose “voice, artistry and humanity transcended borders, generations and genres.” He praised her resilience, compassion and commitment to excellence, noting that her contribution extended far beyond music.

“Dolly Parton was more than a singer. With timeless songs like Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5, and Coat of Many Colours, she taught the world that music can be both powerful and kind.

“Beyond the stage, her generosity touched millions — from donating hundreds of millions of books through her Imagination Library to funding research that helped create life-saving vaccines. She showed us that an artist’s true wealth is in how much light they give to others,” Okafor said.

The tribute arrives at a time when Afrobeats and other African sounds are commanding unprecedented international attention, and Nigerian artistes are increasingly performing on global stages, collaborating across genres and building audiences outside Africa.

Okafor stated that the tribute from the performing musicians’ umbrella body is significant because Parton’s influence was never confined to country music or the United States. Her songwriting, distinctive personality and ability to build connections across generations made her a global cultural figure.

He added that Parton also demonstrated that an artiste’s influence can extend beyond performances. “As President of PMAN, I celebrate a woman who lived in the light and used her platform to unite people across backgrounds and generations.

“Her humility, work ethic, and love for people remain a blueprint for musicians everywhere, including here in Nigeria. We urge our members and music lovers to honor her by spreading joy, supporting literacy, and lifting others through our art, just as she did.

“On behalf of the entire PMAN family, we extend heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and fans around the world. May her soul rest in peace, and may her songs continue to heal and inspire,” the PMAN President said in a statement shared with The Guardian.

Parton’s career provides a useful reminder that global relevance is not achieved through music alone. Longevity can also come from authenticity, innovation, professionalism and the ability to use influence to create value for others. Her combination of creativity, enterprise and philanthropy offers an important lesson for Nigeria’s growing generation of artistes.

The tributes from PMAN underline a simple truth: great artistes may leave the stage, but their influence can continue through the people they inspire, the stories they tell and the institutions they build.

In another development, former U.S President Barack Obama, taking to his handle on X @BarackObama, wrote: “It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.”