Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
ALTHOUGH Dolly Parton never visited Zimbabwe, the country music legend touched countless lives across the world through her music, generosity and encouragement. One of those lives belongs to Zimbabwean singer Nomathamsanqa Treatie “Nkwali” Mkwananzi, who is today mourning a woman whose few words left a lasting mark on her career.
Parton, who died on Tuesday aged 80 after battling health problems over the past year, leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond country music. Known for timeless hits such as Jolene, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You, she inspired generations of musicians through both her talent and her humility.
For Canada-based Zimbabwean artiste Nkwali, news of Parton’s death has revived memories of an unforgettable encounter more than a decade ago.
In 2013, Nkwali was performing with the internationally acclaimed Mother Africa Circus at Parton’s famous Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, United States. What started as a normal day at work quickly became one of the most memorable moments of her life.
Parton attended the performance, watched the show and later went backstage to meet the performers. She then surprised everyone by joining them on stage.
“Dolly Parton’s passing is truly heart-breaking. Meeting her in 2013 at Dollywood while I was performing with Mother Africa Circus is a moment I will never forget. She watched our show, came backstage, and then, to our surprise and excitement, joined us on stage,” Nkwali told this publication.
“I remember her warmth and humility so clearly. She even told me, ‘You have a lovely voice.’ Those words stayed with me and meant so much coming from someone I had admired for years.”
For Nkwali, the compliment was far more than a passing remark. Coming from one of the world’s most celebrated performers, it became a source of encouragement she has carried throughout her career.
The singer said Parton’s greatest legacy was not only her music but also the way she treated people.
“For me, Dolly represented more than just an incredible musician and entertainer. She was an example of what it means to remain humble, generous and encouraging even after achieving such incredible success. I feel very blessed that our paths crossed. That memory will always be a special part of my journey as an artiste. She will be deeply missed,” she added.
Parton’s career spanned decades and crossed multiple industries. Beyond country music, she found success in pop music, film, television, business and philanthropy, becoming one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world.
Her songwriting talent produced classics that continue to resonate with audiences today. Among them was I Will Always Love You, which gained even greater international fame when the late
Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack, introducing Parton’s work to millions of new listeners.
Her influence also reached far beyond America. Throughout her career, she collaborated with artistes from different cultures and musical backgrounds, including South African acapella group
Ladysmith Black Mambazo on songs such as Peace Train and Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.
Those collaborations reflected her openness to different sounds and cultures, qualities that helped make her a truly global figure.
For Nkwali, the meeting at Dollywood remains a powerful reminder that even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impact. In an industry often associated with fame and status, Parton stood out for her willingness to connect with people on a personal level.
More than 10 years after their meeting, Nkwali still remembers the simple words that came from one of music’s biggest stars.
“You have a lovely voice.”
They were only a few words, but for a young Zimbabwean artiste meeting one of her heroes, they became a memory that has endured long after the performance ended.
As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, Nkwali’s story offers a glimpse into the woman behind the global icon. It is a story not just about fame and success, but about kindness, humility and the power of encouragement.
For Nkwali, meeting Dolly Parton was more than a brush with celebrity. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that reaffirmed the value of believing in others, a lesson she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
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