Dolly Parton’s Unfinished Dream: The Elusive 9 to 5 Sequel
Dolly Parton has spent years hoping to revisit her classic film '9 to 5', but despite several close calls, a sequel has never come together. With a new remake on the horizon, is there still hope?
Few figures in the entertainment world have made as much of a mark as Dolly Parton. She’s not just known for her chart-topping hits—like penning and singing the original ‘I Will Always Love You’—but also for her relentless charity work, including the Dollywood Foundation. Whether it’s building theme parks, supporting medical research, or dropping new albums, she’s always got her hands full.
Among her many talents, acting has also featured in her career. She’s appeared in well-loved films such as Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the latter earning her a Golden Globe nod. But it’s her first big screen role in 9 to 5 that’s stuck with punters the most. Starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Parton played Doralee Rhodes, a secretary dealing with a sexist boss. The trio’s chemistry and the film’s sharp humour made it a standout feminist comedy of its time.
Chasing a Sequel That Never Lands
Parton’s performance in 9 to 5 didn’t just win over audiences; it also brought her three Golden Globe nominations and an Oscar nod for Best Original Song. The title track, ‘9 to 5’, shot to number one and became a defining tune of the early ‘80s. With all that success, it’s no wonder she’s been keen to revisit the story.
Despite her enthusiasm, a follow-up has always slipped through her fingers. There have been several attempts over the years, but none have made it past the planning stage. With news of a Jennifer Aniston-backed remake in the works, Parton’s still holding out hope.
“Jane, Lily and I have been trying for years to try to come up with a 9 to 5: Two through the years. It never happened,”
she shared in an interview.
False Starts and Fading Hopes
Plans for a sequel first surfaced not long after the original film’s release, with Tom Mankiewicz attached to the project. But when Fonda wasn’t sold on the script, the idea was shelved. Decades later, the trio looked set to reunite, but again, things fizzled out before cameras rolled.
In 2019, Parton admitted,
“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.”
Even as recently as 2018, the idea was floated again, sparked by ongoing issues like workplace harassment and pay gaps. But finding a fresh angle for the same characters proved too tough, and the project stalled once more.
Remake on the Horizon
With a new version of 9 to 5 being developed, this time with Jennifer Aniston producing, fans are left wondering if the magic of the original can be recaptured. Parton, for her part, hasn’t given up entirely, but after so many near-misses, she’s realistic about the chances. For now, the long-awaited sequel remains just out of reach, a dream that’s never quite made it to the big screen.