South African choral legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo have shared a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton, remembering the American icon as both a musical pioneer and a kind spirit who embraced artists across the world.
Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. News of her passing drew tributes from across the globe, but for Ladysmith Black Mambazo the loss felt personal. The group first worked with Parton nearly 31 years ago, and that collaboration left a lasting impression.
In a statement released on August 26, the group reflected on their shared history and the values they said Parton embodied.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton,” the group said. “She was a beacon of love, faith, and generosity. Her voice carried the stories of working people, and her heart carried the hopes of those who needed help. The world has lost a true angel.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Dolly Parton first came together in 1995 for a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. The song appeared on Parton’s album Something Special and brought together two very different musical traditions: Parton’s Appalachian country and the group’s signature isicathamiya harmonies from KwaZulu-Natal.
At the time, Ladysmith Black Mambazo were already global ambassadors for South African music, having worked with Paul Simon on Graceland and won multiple Grammy Awards. Parton, meanwhile, was one of country music’s biggest stars.
The collaboration was not just musical. Members of the group later recalled meeting Parton in the studio and being struck by her humility.
“She treated us like family,” one member said in a past interview. “She asked about our families, about South Africa, about our music. She listened more than she spoke. And then she sang, and you understood why the whole world loves her.”
The 1995 track was never a massive commercial hit, but for both artists it represented something bigger: music as a bridge. A Tennessee singer and a group of South African men finding common ground in a song about mortality, hope, and grace.
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born in 1946 in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Over six decades she wrote more than 3,000 songs, sold over 100 million records, and became known as the “Queen of Country.” Hits like Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You made her a household name.
But beyond the rhinestones and big voice, Parton was known for philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has sent millions of free books to children. She donated to disaster relief, education, and health care in her home state. She also used her platform to speak about kindness, faith, and hard work.
For Ladysmith Black Mambazo, those values resonated. The group, founded by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, has always linked music to message. Their songs speak about peace, unity, respect for elders, and faith in God.
“When we met Dolly, we saw the same spirit,” the group said in their tribute. “She did not sing just to be famous. She sang to heal, to comfort, to lift people up. That is what we try to do too.
The 1995 collaboration came at a significant time for both parties. South Africa had just emerged from apartheid, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo were touring the world as cultural representatives of the new nation. Parton was at the height of her career and was actively seeking collaborations outside of country music.
Working together gave both artists a chance to reach new audiences. Parton introduced Ladysmith’s harmonies to country fans. Ladysmith introduced Parton’s songwriting to listeners in Africa and beyond.
In the years since, members of the group have continued to cite Parton as an example of how to handle fame. “She never forgot where she came from,” the tribute read. “She stayed close to her people, to her church, to her roots. That is something we understand very well.”
Parton’s death prompted tributes from presidents, musicians, and fans. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff. Artists from Reba McEntire to Oprah Winfrey shared memories.
From South Africa, Ladysmith’s message added a different note — one of gratitude from artists on another continent who felt personally touched.
“Her light will never fade,” the group wrote. “The songs will continue. The books will continue to be read by children. The love she gave will continue in all of us who were blessed to know her, even for a moment.”
The group also offered condolences to Parton’s family, including her husband Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025, and to the people of Tennessee, whom Parton called her own.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo have spent more than 60 years performing. They have sung for presidents, popes, and in townships. They have won five Grammys and been nominated for more. Through it all, they have maintained that music’s job is to bring people together.
In Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, the line they sang together 31 years ago takes on new meaning now: “Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door.”
For fans, it’s a reminder that two voices from very different places can meet in one song. For Ladysmith Black Mambazo, it’s a reminder of a woman who welcomed them with open arms.
As the world mourns Dolly Parton, the harmonies she shared with Ladysmith Black Mambazo will continue to play — a small but lasting symbol of how music crosses borders, languages, and generations. [701 words]
