The American Federation of Musicians, the major labor union representing professional musicians in North America, is paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who was a member of its Nashville Local 257 for 58 years. AFM says that for decades, Dolly consistently filed union contracts for her recording sessions, live gigs and tours. That meant the musicians working for her were not simply being handed a check as hired players…their work was formally covered under union agreements that can require negotiated minimum pay, pension contributions, benefits and other workplace protections. The union says Dolly “set the gold standard” for supporting the musicians behind her and “elevated our entire profession.”