Shaboozey shared his admiration for Dolly Parton’s influence at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards. The country music legend, known for her song ‘Jolene’, passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. Shaboozey highlighted Parton’s extensive impact, noting that his father, who was raised in Nigeria, was a fan of her music. This admiration underscores the global reach Parton achieved, far beyond Nashville’s borders.
Shaboozey, whose birth name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, attended the awards at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He spoke to PEOPLE about Parton’s role in transforming country music. He believes she realized her vision for the genre and expressed his admiration, saying, ‘Dolly Parton forever.’
In his new album, ‘The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales’, Shaboozey pays homage to Parton with the track ‘Cowgirl’, referencing her hit ‘9 to 5’. The lyrics convey a sense of celebration and freedom, reflecting Parton’s spirit.
During the event, Shaboozey commented on Ella Langley’s record-breaking success with ‘Choosin’ Texas’, now the longest-running No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. He expressed excitement over the song surpassing his hit ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’, emphasizing how Parton would have supported the evolving dynamics of country music, particularly women’s achievements in the industry.
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