Today, the entire community of professional musicians mourns the loss of an irreplaceable icon and a generous heart: Dolly Parton.

While the world knows her as a global superstar and philanthropist, we at the American Federation of Musicians of the US & Canada and Local 257 (Nashville Musicians Association) knew her as a steadfast champion for working musicians. Dolly was always very generous with her time and her money. Her extensive charitable work was never about public perception—she gave simply because she truly cared, always doing everything the right way to make sure that people were taken care of. She overcame every obstacle that came her way and broke down many barriers for women in the music business. Her influence went far beyond the boundaries of country music, but she never lost track of who she was and her values. 

“Before she was an icon, Dolly was a working musician,” says Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President. “Dolly never forgot the musicians who helped bring her music to life. By standing firm for solidarity and treating every player with dignity, she elevated our entire profession.”

“Throughout her 58 years as a proud member in good standing of Local 257, she set the gold standard for supporting her band and fellow musicians. Dolly and her team consistently filed AFM union contracts for gigs, sessions, and tours, ensuring that the bands, singers, and studio musicians working alongside her received the benefits of union membership,” says Dave Pomeroy, President Local 257.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, bandmates, and millions of fans.
Rest in peace, Dolly. Thank you for the music and the solidarity.