Why Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ Remains So Iconic Today: A Look Back on the Film—Plus Tributes from Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin
The 1980s film touched on the struggles of working women in a groundbreaking way
Key Takeaways
- In 1980, Dolly Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in '9 to 5.'
- Though hilarious, the film touched on the real struggles of working women.
- Here, a look back on the film and how Dolly's costars are remembering her.
Dolly Parton was truly one of a kind, and after her tragic passing on August 25, fans are reflecting on one of her most iconic projects. In 1980, Parton took the lead in 9 to 5, the workplace comedy where she acted alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, and in addition to showcasing her hilarious comedic timing and acting chops, she also lent her voice to the soundtrack—most notably on the song of the same name.
What was ‘9 to 5’ about?
9 to 5 starred Dolly Parton as Doralee, Jane Fonda as Judy and Lily Tomlin as Violet—three women working under misogynistic vice president Franklin Hart, Jr. When Violet’s passed up for a promotion and Doralee learns of a rumor about an alleged affair between her and Hart, the duo, joined by Judy, set out for an evening of drinking and smoking marijuana. Dreaming up scenarios in which they’d put an end to Hart, the next day, a series of coincidences occur that lead the women to believe Violet accidentally poisoned his coffee—just as she had fantasized about.
Ultimately, Hart arrives back at work after a hospital visit and a series of hijinks and misunderstandings involving the three women (including kidnapping a body they thought to be his from the hospital’s morgue), and when he threatens to report them for their actions, one thing leads to another before they ultimately kidnap him, keeping him captive in his home. In his absence, the women implement a series of initiatives that greatly improve the company, and while this film tells a hilarious tale of revenge, it also serves as an honest commentary on the female experience in the workplace.
Why ‘9 to 5’ was so important—especially at the time
At the time of the film’s release, the experiences of the women at the heart of the movie were very real—and the improvements they made within their workplace in Hart’s absence reflected the desires of working women all over the country and the world. Equality in terms of pay, childcare and flexibility with hours were just a few of the changes they made within the office, and for stars as big as Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin to illustrate those desires on screen, it truly meant something.
Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ costars remember her legacy
In the wake of her passing, both Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have taken to social media to share their memories of the late singer. In a post shared to X, Tomlin wrote, “Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly.”
In a separate post shared by Jane Fonda, the actress went into great detail about the impact Parton had on her. “I never knew anyone like her. 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.” She continued with a funny, oh-so-Dolly anecdote, sharing, “She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right…and then she’d stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Rogers’ home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.”
Want to reminisce on Dolly’s performance in 9 to 5? Watch it now on Philo.
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