Dolly Parton — singer, actor, philanthropist, and one of the most beloved figures in American cultural life — was also a loyal union member.
Parton maintained her membership in American Federation of Musicians Local 257 in Nashville for 58 years. She also ensured that the bands, singers, and studio musicians working alongside her received the benefits of union membership, said Local 257 President Dave Pomeroy in an official union statement mourning her death on Aug. 25. She used AFM union contracts for gigs, sessions, and tours.
“Before she was an icon, Dolly was a working musician,” said AFM International President Tino Gagliardi. “Dolly never forgot the musicians who helped bring her music to life.”
As an actor, Parton was also a member of SAG-AFTRA, and she earned breakthrough fame for her role in the 1980 comedy movie “9 to 5” — co-starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin — which focused on workplace harassment of women. Parton also wrote the film’s theme song “9 to 5.” The song became a celebrated working-class anthem and earned her an Oscar nomination in 1981 for best original song.
