Stella Parton Questioned Song Use by Marsha Blackburn
The singer criticized the use of "9 to 5" at a campaign event, citing conflicts with the late icon's values.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Country
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Stella Parton has publicly questioned if Senator Marsha Blackburn obtained a license for the song "9 to 5" used at a political rally. The criticism followed public statements from the Parton family opposing unauthorized use of the late singer's memory.
Why it matters
Stella Parton claims the track serves as an anthem for working women fighting sexism, arguing that Blackburn's political platform does not support the interests of everyday Tennessee workers.
The song "9 to 5" was originally released in 1980 for the film of the same name. It remains a cultural touchstone representing working women's rights.
The players
Stella Parton
She is a singer and songwriter who is the younger sister of the late Dolly Parton.
Marsha Blackburn
She is a U.S. Senator representing the state of Tennessee.
Dolly Parton
She was a legendary singer, songwriter, and philanthropist who is buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville.
The details
Stella Parton utilized the social media platform X to voice her disapproval of the song's inclusion at a campaign event, directly challenging the Senator's track record. Her objections align with the broader stance of the Parton family regarding the protection of the late artist's legacy.
Timeline
The film 9 to 5 was released in 1980.
Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026.
Stella Parton posted her criticism of Marsha Blackburn on X on September 18, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This dispute follows a long-standing pattern set by musicians attempting to block candidates from using their catalogs during campaign events. It highlights the recurring tension between intellectual property owners and political entities over the association of popular art with specific political platforms.
This news highlights how political campaigns leverage popular media during rallies, potentially changing how fans perceive their favorite artists' associations with public figures. Residents may see continued discourse regarding the ethical use of copyrighted material in local election cycles.
The takeaway
Artists often seek to protect their brand and legacy by tightly controlling how their music is utilized in public spaces. Readers should remain aware that the use of a song at a campaign event does not necessarily imply the artist's personal or professional endorsement.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of music and culture, visit the Country section.
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Should artists be able to block political candidates from using their songs at campaign rallies?
