September 3, 2026
Labor Day 2026- Celebrating Those
On The Job “Working 9 to 5”
On September 7, we will once again be celebrating Labor Day. A day set aside to honor those who have built this country, brick by brick, sweat and blood and vision. This Labor Day, those of us in Region 8 can remember a champion for the working class, Miss Dolly Parton.
Yes, we remember her as a talented singer, songwriter and actress, but she also was a champion for working people. From her humble beginnings in a two room cabin, the fourth of twelve children to a multi-millionaire who was known worldwide simply by her first name. Dolly took her dreams and ambitions and moved to Nashville at 18 and became a success.
For 58 years Dolly Parton belonged to American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 257 in Nashville. In 1969, she also joined Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Another union membership she would maintain the rest of her life. Dolly knew the advantages of collective bargaining and consistently supported unions.
“Before she was an icon, Dolly was a working musician,” said 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,” added Dave Pomeroy, President Local 257.
As her success grew, so did her desire to helps those in need. When wildfires ravaged the area around Gatlinburg, Tennessee in 2016, Dolly gave $1000 a month to families displaced by the fire. She maintained that gift for six months to help the get back on their feet. In 1988, she launched the Dollywood Foundation, which began a project to curb dropout rates for students in Sevier County, Tennessee (her home). The Buddy Program paired students with a friend who encouraged them to stay in school. Every student who graduated in Sevier County received a $500 donation from the foundation, reducing dropout rates from 35% to 5%.
In 1995, Dolly initiated The Imagination Library, designed to provide books to children in Tennessee. Each child enrolled in the program received a book every month until they turned six. The program expanded nationwide, and Canda, the United Kingdom, Ireland and  Australia. The program was dedicated to the memory of her father who never learned to read and write, but worked hard to provide for his family. Today, the program sends books to 850,000 children each month.
When COVID 19 was hitting families and workplaces all across the country, Dolly Parton donated a million dollars to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center to go towards their efforts for development of the Moderna vaccine. She also donated millions to cancer research, AIDS research and many other medical research programs.
She never stopped working, developing projects, recording and performing right up to her death at age 80. She juggled her busy entertainment schedule while maintaining her charity work. She used her celebrity to encourage states to assist in funding these great projects she championed. The current political climate has resulted in many states cutting funding to her Imagination Library, like Indiana Governor Braun. These same politicians that have praised her in death, declined to support her in life.
Dolly Parton could have easily joined the ranks of billionaires, but she instead choose to use the fortune she earned to help others. She was truly an inspiration to every person who punched a clock. It is too bad she didn’t inspire the billionaires who choose to horde their fortunes rather than use it to ease the sufferings of others. Dolly was an example of what we can accomplish if the wealthy used their fortune for good.
This Labor Day, may we all pause to celebrate those who built America with their sweat and muscle. You are truly the American hero. May we also remember someone who worked to provide entertainment to make our lives better and used her fortune to make life better for those around her. Here is to those of us on the job from 9 to 5.
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UAW!
UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith |
