The organization for working women that inspired the iconic song and movie "9 to 5" are mourning the woman who gave their cause a timeless anthem.
"(Dolly) Parton dedicated her life and used her platform to make the world a better place, and her impact on working women will never be forgotten," 9to5, a nationwide advocacy organization, said in a statement. "Our history and progress, especially in the early years of 9to5, are inseparable from the voice that Dolly Parton gave working women."
Parton, the beloved musician, philanthropist and icon, died Aug. 25 at 80.
Years before Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin on the big screen, working women were demanding better treatment in the workplace. In 1973, a group of clerical workers
banded together to respond to the inequities, harassment and discrimination they were subjected to at work and formed the organization 9to5.
Fonda was inspired by the organization and its cause when she had the idea for the 1980 comedy, The Times of London reported in 1981. According to 9to5's website, the movie's script was even based on conversations with 9to5 members across the country.
The movie "9 to 5," as well as Parton's iconic theme song of the same name, continue to resonate with working people by capturing "the frustration and determination that empower us to keep going," 9to5's co-president and CEO Ashley Panelli said in a statement.
“The issues that Dolly helped bring into the spotlight–pay disparities, harassment, workplace discrimination, and the need for affordable, quality childcare, affordable housing, paid family leave, and a living wage–are still issues that people of color, women, non-binary people, and low-income workers face every day," Panelli said.
In a touching tribute on Instagram, Fonda posted a picture of her and Parton laughing on the set of "9 to 5."
"She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves," Fonda wrote. "She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs."
Tomlin also posted a remembrance of Parton on Instagram.
"No words…💔" Tomin wrote.
Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dolly Parton highlighted working women, says nonprofit behind '9 to 5'
