Honoring Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Labor and Music

Democracy Dies in Darkness

Organized labor is paying tribute to an artist who proudly held a union card for nearly six decades.

August 26, 2026 at 5:53 p.m. EDT

Flowers and other items are placed at the Dolly Parton mural in downtown Knoxville on Aug. 26. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

By John Nichols, The Nation

Founded by abolitionists in 1865, The Nation has documented various facets of political and cultural life, acting as a critical, independent, and progressive voice.

Dolly Parton, the iconic songwriter and cherished country singer who has passed away at 80, crafted one of the definitive anthems for the American working class. The song “9 to 5,” a quintessential track of the 1980 film addressing workplace gender inequity featuring Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, resonated strongly with audiences. It achieved significant success on both pop and country charts, secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, and won two Grammy Awards.