Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies today issued a statement honoring American music icon Dolly Parton, recognizing her decades of artistry, philanthropy, and her deep roots in gospel and Christian music.
Dolly Parton was said to have died on Tuesday at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement by the country.Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean (née Parton; January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) was an American singer-songwriter, actress and businesswoman. Dubbed the “Queen of Country”, Parton was one of the most honored performers of country music in history, earning eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes and a Tony Award. She was also known for her cultural influence and philanthropy via Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation. With more than 100 million records sold, Parton is among the best-selling music artists of all time.
Born into in rural Tennessee, Parton wrote her first song at age six, performed regularly on TV by age ten, made her first recording a year later, and became a professional songwriter at sixteen. After writing songs for others, she released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly (1967), starting a nearly 60-year career. She released 49 studio albums and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including “I Will Always Love You” (a two-time U.S. country chart-topper and an international success for Whitney Houston that sold 24 million copies worldwide), “Jolene”, “Coat of many colors.”
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies said she likes her songs, especially “Coat of many colors,” so much! recalling she also started to sing at age six, at Emmanuel Baptism Church Ilorin, in 1967, that just turned 60 years, and by age 12 at St Clare’s Grammar School Choir, Offa Kwara State- I was known for only music then. I had joined “Latter day mover” to sing on NTA TV shows and other shows at Ilorin, Kwara State in my teens and in the twenties at the University of Ife, NIFES, I sang with “The Ambassadors for Christ” for years. BUT Music ended for me after I got married in 1988 and became a Pastor occasionally leading worship in church Agape Bible Church, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria; While Dolly became a professional songwriter at sixteen, it my was my hobby that never never happened. My salute to Dolly Parton!!!
“Dolly Parton has spent her life turning mountain faith into music the whole world can sing,” said Prof. Adesanya-Davies. “From the church pew to the global stage, she has shown us that humility, hard work, and belief can lift people. Her songs of hope have comforted millions, and her generosity has built communities. We celebrate her life and the light she continues to share.”
A Legacy Rooted in Faith
Parton’s musical journey began in a small Pentecostal church in the Great Smoky Mountains, where her grandfather was a preacher. She started singing hymns and playing guitar as a child, a foundation that has remained central to her work.
Throughout her career she has recorded multiple gospel and faith-inspired projects:
The Golden Streets of Glory (1971): Her first full gospel album, featuring originals like “The Master’s Hand” and “The Golden Streets of Glory,” along with hymns such as “How Great Thou Art”.
Precious Memories (1999): A collection of traditional gospel standards including “Amazing Grace,” “In the Garden,” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Proceeds supported the Dollywood Foundation.
Faith songs across genres: Tracks like “God’s Coloring Book” and “The Seeker”, plus her Dove Award-winning duet “There Was Jesus” with Zach Williams and her collaboration on “God Only Knows” with for KING & COUNTRY. 104b696d
“She never separated her faith from her art,” Prof. Adesanya-Davies noted. “Whether singing a hymn in acapella or writing about seeing God in creation, Dolly reminds us that spirituality and storytelling belong together.”
Impact Beyond Music
Beyond recording, Parton is recognized for literacy programs, disaster relief, and support for children and families through the Dollywood Foundation. Prof. Adesanya-Davies highlighted this as an example of leadership that serves both culture and community.
“Professor Adesanya-Davies believes artists who use their platform for good deserve to be honored while they are here to receive it,” the statement continued. “Dolly Parton’s life teaches resilience, generosity, and the power of staying true to where you come from.”
About Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a Nigerian female Presidential Candidate is a Professor of Applied Linguistics, Bishop, scholar, author, and cultural advocate based in Nigeria. Her work focuses on leadership, the arts, gender, and nation-building. She frequently celebrates global figures whose lives demonstrate service, creativity, and faith in action.
Signed:
Ms Joy Klinton Wellington
PA at Prof Ade-Davies Int’l Foundation (PMADIF)
Nigeria
