SAG-AFTRA mourns the loss of legendary performer and recording artist Dolly Parton, who has died at 80.
A beloved and singular talent, Parton’s extraordinary career spanned music, film and television, earning her generations of fans and an enduring place in American entertainment. She was a member of SAG-AFTRA for more than five decades, joining the union in 1969. Our condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone who loved her.
“The passing of Dolly Parton will be deeply felt throughout our membership. Her life and legacy of joy and creativity had an indescribable impact on the world. As a singer, songwriter, performer, business leader and all-around visionary, Dolly Parton’s talent is revered across generations,” said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin. “Her basic humanity is known to the world and she is simply beloved by countless millions. Personally, from 9 to 5 when she effortlessly advanced the cause of professional women, to her Islands in the Stream collaboration with Kenny Rogers, I’m a true and forever fan. On behalf of SAG-AFTRA and my family, we send thoughts of love and condolence to her family.”
“Dolly Parton was a once-in-a-generation artist and, just as importantly, someone of true generosity and decency,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “As a fellow native Tennessean, I’m humbled by what she did with her platform: putting books in the hands of millions of children through the Imagination Library, standing up for people being treated unfairly, and modeling real inclusion, including as a steady friend to the LGBTQ+ community well before that was easy to do. SAG-AFTRA and the entire creative community mourn her loss.”
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, influencers and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices who entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists in the 21st century and beyond.
