43 Years Ago: Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” Goes No. 1

Dolly Parton was cast in the film 9 to 5, and while she was filming, she wrote the now-iconic theme song of the movie.

9 to 5 starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as three co-workers who team up to confront their oppressive and sexist boss, played by Dabney Coleman. Tired of enduring harassment and unfair treatment, the trio takes matters into their own hands, concocting creative and humorous ways to improve their workplace and challenge the toxic corporate culture. The film addresses issues of gender inequality and workplace harassment with a mix of satire and empowerment, making it a memorable and influential comedy.

When Parton was on set, she began hitting her acrylic nails against each other making them sound like a typewriter. Then, she wrote the song with her nails accompanying herself! In fact, her nails are credited on the recording!

RELATED: ‘9 To 5’ Percussion Credit Goes To Dolly Parton’s Fingernails

Parton also included the song on her 1980 album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs and was nominated for an Academy Award and four Grammy Awards. She took home Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.

42 years after its release, Parton updated the song with Kelly Clarkson.

In September 2023, Parton and Clarkson re-did the song in a much slower version. While it’s incredibly different than the original version, both of their voices sounds incredible on the song! When they released the song, Parton appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to perform it. Following the collaboration, Clarkson bowed down to the country legend.

“Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She makes any song come alive,” Parton said in a press release about the song, according to PEOPLE. “I love her voice on ‘9 to 5,’ and I am so proud I got to sing with her on it. I’m equally as proud of the wonderful arrangement and production by Shane McAnally.”

Watch the official music video for “9 to 5” below.