Dolly Parton: The Compassion That Came From Humble Beginnings.
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
Speaking Truth to Power. "No Barabas." The redemptive voices are rising. Soon, "the come shall come to become." A new and vastly transformed Nigeria is Possible.
Peter Obi came into Edo State unannounced for the service of songs of the late Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, and what happened afterward looked almost like an impromptu rally.
Word quickly spread that Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him.
No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up.
PETER OBI IS COMING.
OSUN STATE: LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE, LET PEACE PREVAIL
As we approach the upcoming election in Osun State, I wish to draw the attention of Nigerians, our institutions, political actors, the diplomatic community, international observers, and all friends of Nigeria across the world to the solemn responsibility before us.
Osun belongs to its people. Therefore, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and every stakeholder to act with the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint.
The people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely, safely, and without intimidation. Their votes must be counted transparently, protected faithfully, and announced according to the genuine will of the electorate.
To those within Osun State, I appeal for peace. Do not allow politicians to turn your neighbours, friends, and communities against each other. Do not destroy your state in the name of winning an election. Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party.
To those outside Osun- politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers- I urge you to exercise restraint. Do not import violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully.
To our security agencies, your loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual. Your duty is to protect every voter equally.
To INEC, the credibility of this election must be safeguarded from the preparatory stages to accreditation, voting, collation, and declaration. Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count.
And to the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observers: please monitor Osun closely. Your presence, vigilance, and principled observation can bolster confidence in our democratic process. Nigeria welcomes genuine partnerships in the protection of democracy, peace, and the rule of law.
Let us remember that democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose.
Let Osun demonstrate to Nigeria, and indeed the world, that political competition can be intense without degenerating into violence; that disagreement can exist without hatred; and that power can change hands through ballots rather than blood.
Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State.
Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching.
Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Alhaji Garba Haruna, leader of the Muslim community in Anambra and traditional ruler of the Hausa Community in Awka, speaks on Peter Obi’s relationship with northern communities, including claims about traders’ expulsion and ID cards.His remarks in Hausa will follow shortly.
Ahead of Mr Tinubu's proposed meeting with Mr Trump, I spoke with the @DailyCaller about the biggest elephant in the history of elephants in the room.
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