When Jane Fonda approached Dolly Parton to co-star in 9 to 5, the legendary country singer had one demand. "I said, 'well, this is a good opportunity, but I'll only do it if I can write the theme song," Parton explained. This pivotal moment marked Parton's transition from a celebrated musician to an actress, showcasing her multifaceted talents. During downtime between takes of the 1980 comedy, Parton creatively entertained herself by "playing" her acrylic nails like a washboard, further hinting at her musical prowess.
Parton’s approach to songwriting was distinct. “I always play the nails and I’d come up with little things that I would see on the set, like I tumble out of bed and I stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of… And I thought, 'Wow, that sounds like a typewriter,” she reminisced. The catchy clacking baseline that opens the song was all Parton, emphasizing her hands-on involvement in the project. The credits even humorously noted, "Nails by Dolly," showcasing her unique contribution to the film's soundtrack.
Parton's Role Reflected Her Own Personality
From the very beginning, Fonda envisioned Parton for the role in 9 to 5. The Oscar-winning actress described the moment she decided on Parton while listening to her hit "Two Doors Down." "It was pow, it was a visceral sense that Dolly Parton had to be a secretary in 9 to 5," Fonda recalled. This connection between Parton’s real-life experiences and her on-screen character further solidified the film’s authenticity.
Fonda noted that Parton's character, Doralee Rhodes, was "kind of modeled on her personality." Having grown up with limited material advantages, Parton understood the struggles of being challenged and marginalized, aligning her character's experiences with her own. This depth brought an emotional truth to the film, making it resonate with audiences.
Despite lacking formal acting lessons, Parton embraced the opportunity to work alongside seasoned actresses like Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She described the experience as "a joy to make," explaining that she felt no intimidation due to her close relationships with her own sisters. This camaraderie translated into a fun and relaxed atmosphere during filming.
Goosebumps and Anthemic Moments
When Parton first shared an early version of "9 to 5" with Fonda and Tomlin, the reaction was electric. "Lily and I looked at each other and we had goosebumps," she remembered. That moment solidified the song’s potential, not merely as a movie tune but as an anthem for working women everywhere.
Tomlin’s reaction was equally enthusiastic. She remarked, "Jane Fonda and I were just flabbergasted; we thought it was so great. I said to Jane, 'This will make the movie a hit, if nothing else." The excitement surrounding the song became a focal point during filming, adding to the overall energy of the project.
Parton cleverly spread out the songwriting process, turning it into a delightful activity for the trio. Each day, they would eagerly ask what new lyrics she had written, turning songwriting into a bonding experience. In total, Parton claimed to have penned around 100 verses, filled with amusing anecdotes and observations, showcasing her creative talent.
The Legacy of 9 to 5
The single “9 to 5” was released in November 1980 and became an immediate success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1981, and the song earned Parton two Grammys and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. This success not only showcased her musical talent but also solidified her transition into acting.
The film itself was a blockbuster, grossing over $100 million at the box office. Released on December 19, 1980, 9 to 5 became the second highest-grossing movie of the year, just behind Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Parton humorously noted that if the film had flopped, she would’ve blamed Fonda and Tomlin, given their star power.
Following the success of 9 to 5, Parton continued to expand her acting career, starring in acclaimed films such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. As Tomlin articulated, being a part of 9 to 5 demonstrated Parton’s versatility, elevating her status from a musical star to a cinematic queen.
Unraveling The Mystery Of JonBenét Ramsey: Life, Death, And Investigation
The Impact Of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi Scheme On Celebrity Investors
The Life And Controversies Of Amy Fisher: The Long Island Lolita
