“How gross”: Dolly Parton’s sister slams Tennessee senator Marsha Blackburn for using late singer’s music during Trump rally

Dolly Parton’s sister Stella Parton has reacted to U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn’s use of the country artist’s famous track, 9 to 5, during a campaign event in Tennessee.

Blackburn’s act has drawn criticism from many, including the I Want to Hold You in My Dreams, Tonight singer. A Threads user (allie4tn) criticized Blackburn, stating that Dolly Parton has stood against everything Marsha Blackburn is against and using her song in her rally is a sign of disrespect.

Reacting to the viral clip of Blackburn from the campaign rally shared by a Threads user, she wrote:

“How gross! Wonder if they licensed the use of my Sista song?”

9 to 5 is described as a working-women’s anthem about fighting a sexist boss, written for the movie of the same name. Critics and fans pointed out that Blackburn’s choice of song conflicts with her conservative legislative record.

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Dolly Parton’s sister Stella Parton calls out Marsha Blackburn for using “9to5” track in her campaign rally

Dolly Parton’s sister Stella Parton has been vocal about Tennessee politics and has frequently criticized Blackburn’s legislative record.

She took aim at the senator for using the track without authorization, given the song's message. Stella pointed out the irony of using a song dedicated to working-class women's rights to promote a political platform that she argues does not protect everyday Tennessee workers.

Besides Stella, many of Dolly Parton’s fans took to social media to comment on Marsha Blackburn's misuse of her song. One user noted, “Dolly would most certainly not be pleased.” Another user said that Dolly Parton’s family should send Blackburn a “cease and desist order.”

Stella has remained an outspoken critic of Marsha Blackburn over the years, criticizing her on issues like women's rights, reproductive health, and Republican policies. She has a long history of publicly calling out the senator and has questioned her leadership in Tennessee. She has frequently posted statements on social media platforms like X and Instagram, challenging Blackburn’s public statements.

She is Dolly Parton’s younger sister and was born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Parton (née Owens). The family has 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Parton (née Owens). The children grew up in poverty in a small cabin in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains near Sevierville, Tennessee. Dolly was the fourth child, and Stella was the sixth.

Stella followed in her sister’s footsteps, becoming a country singer and songwriter. She found chart success in the 1970s and released her hit single, I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight.

Stella’s pushback against Marsha Blackburn comes amid a sensitive period for Dolly Parton’s family following the death of the country music icon on August 25, 2026, at age 80.

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She was laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee. A public tribute concert followed at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The Parton family has fiercely guarded Dolly's memory, actively speaking against political exploitation and the rise of unauthorized AI content online.

Unlike her sister, Dolly Parton has consistently avoided partisan politics throughout her career. On the passing of the I Will Always Love You crooner, Marsha Blackburn wrote a tribute on X, calling Parton a “Tennessee treasure” who “opened doors of opportunity for countless people.”

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