Dolly Parton is eager to step back into the office for a remake of the classic 1980 comedy “9 to 5,” currently being produced by Jennifer Aniston. The country music icon, 78, revealed in an interview with E! News on June 3 that she’s thrilled about the potential project and hopes to make a cameo.
Dolly’s Enthusiasm for the Remake
Dolly Parton, best known for her role as Doralee Rhodes and for her iconic song “9 to 5,” expressed her excitement about Aniston’s involvement in the project. “Years ago, when we did the movie Dumplin’, there was some mention she might want to do 9 to 5, and I said, ‘Oh, that would be great,’” Parton shared. She added that she hopes her famous song will be included in the remake and that there might be room for her and her original co-stars, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, to make a return.
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The Original ‘9 to 5’ Legacy
The original “9 to 5” starred Parton, Tomlin, and Fonda as three office workers who band together to overthrow their sexist boss. Parton’s title song for the movie topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song in 1981. Reflecting on the film’s impact, Parton said, “It’s a wonderful thing to be able to be part of something that’s been that powerful through the years. It’s really amazing to be part of something that really can change the course of life for anybody. I really think this brought a lot of attention to [gender] equality.”
Casting Hopes for the Remake
For the new version, Parton has a clear vision for casting, particularly eyeing her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, to take on her original role as Doralee Rhodes. “Wouldn’t she be great? Well, she knows me. She knows the memories that I have [from the movie],” Parton noted.
Jennifer Aniston’s Role and Production
Jennifer Aniston is producing the “9 to 5” reimagining through her Echo Films production company, with acclaimed writer Diablo Cody penning the script. Aniston’s commitment to bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved classic has garnered support from original stars Tomlin and Fonda. “Good luck to them. It’s fun. I wish them a lot of luck. They’re very talented,” Fonda, 86, remarked. Tomlin, 84, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Oh, I’m very excited. I’m pleased to know that someone else is working on it and may they have successful fruition.”
Sequel Talks and Future Hopes
Before the remake plans solidified, there were discussions of a sequel with the original trio. However, Parton revealed in 2019 that these plans were shelved due to script issues. “I don’t think we’re going to do the sequel. We never could get the script where it was enough different than the first one, and that one turned out so good,” she explained.
As fans eagerly await more details, Parton’s enthusiasm and Aniston’s production promise to breathe new life into the story, potentially making “9 to 5” relevant for a new generation while honoring its groundbreaking legacy.
