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It\u2019s been nearly 60 years since The Monkees<\/a><\/em> first hit TV screens \u2014 and now the band\u2019s last surviving member, Micky Dolenz<\/a><\/strong>, is taking fans all the way back to where it began.<\/p>\n On October 13, Dolenz shared a remarkable piece of memorabilia on Instagram<\/a>: his original 1965 contract for The Monkees<\/em> pilot episode.<\/p>\n \u201cCheck this out \u2014 yesterday in 1965, I got my original contract for The Monkees pilot!\u201d the 80-year-old singer wrote. \u201cI was paid a whopping $600 for the pilot, and if the show got picked up, my contract called for $400 per episode. At the time, that felt like big money. I had no idea what kind of adventure was about to begin.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: Monkees\u2019 Micky Dolenz, 80, Mourns Friend With Poignant Photo \u2014 He\u2019s the Only One in the Photo Who\u2019s Still Alive<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The document, dated October 13, 1965, has aged into a soft, yellowed hue with that unmistakable vintage typewriter font \u2014 ink fading in and out across each letter. In the contract, it reveals that the young cast members would earn $400 per episode in season 1 and $550 in season 2. Had the show continued beyond its two-season run, Dolenz and his bandmates would\u2019ve climbed to $700 in season 3, $900 in season 4, and $1,100 in season 5.<\/p>\n That modest beginning, of course, turned into one of television\u2019s most beloved success stories. The Monkees<\/em> premiered in September 1966, spawning four chart-topping albums, a wave of international fame and a legacy that still resonates with fans around the world.<\/p>\n \u201cWho would\u2019ve thought this little piece of paper would lead to a show (and a band) still loved all these years later, thanks to you?\u201d Dolenz added.<\/p>\n RELATED: \u2018I\u2019m Forever Grateful\u2019: Last Surviving Monkee Shares Heartfelt Reflection<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The comments section quickly filled with emotion, nostalgia, and gratitude.<\/p>\n “What a brilliant post Micky\u2026 so glad you\u2019re well and active on Instagram. You were a big part of my childhood \ud83e\udd1c \ud83e\udd1b All the best from the UK,” wrote one fan.<\/p>\n Another added, \u201cThat has such an awesome look \u2014 the faded paper, the classic typewriter font, the layout in general. Such a cool piece to find and relive. I\u2019m gonna go play with my Monkees hand puppet.\u201d<\/p>\n Others echoed the sentiment of timeless appreciation:<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s so cool you still have that contract after all these years,\u201d wrote one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n \u201cChanged your life and mine and forever grateful!\u201d added another.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n \u201cI never change the radio station when a Monkees song comes on. Thanks, Micky, for all the good vibes over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n RELATED: Monkees’ Micky Dolenz and Smash Mouth Meet in Epic \u2018I\u2019m a Believer\u2019 Moment<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n At 80, Dolenz continues to keep The Monkees\u2019<\/strong> spirit alive through his social media posts, performances, and tributes to his late bandmates \u2014 Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith<\/strong> and Peter Tork<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Just last month, Dolenz honored the late Monkees songwriter Bobby Hart with what fans called a \u201cpowerful\u201d tribute, sharing that performing \u201c(I\u2019m Not Your) Steppin\u2019 Stone\u201d still \u201cgets\u201d him after all these years.<\/p>\n This latest post is another window into a career that shaped an era\u2014and a reminder that some adventures really do begin with a single signature.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac\u00a0<\/strong>SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally reported by Parade<\/a> on Oct 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFans React to the Rare Find<\/h2>\n
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A Career That Keeps Giving<\/h2>\n