Dolly Parton honors ‘9 to 5’ with a new Kelly Clarkson collaboration

Dolly Parton rose to pop culture stardom in the 1980 comedic film 9 to 5, and now she’s celebrating its anniversary in two significant ways. More than 40 years after its release, Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin are joining to speak on the film’s cultural impact. Still Working 9 to 5 is a forthcoming documentary set for release on September 16 and is currently making waves in many film festivals.

Director Camille Hardman said in a statement about the film: “9 to 5 has been a film, tv series, hit song, and a musical. We are proud to add a duet and documentary to the 9 to 5 Legacy. We only ask if our film moves, touches, or empowers you in any way, please share that with your readers. After 4 years of making this film, we know it has a powerful message and the timing could not be better. With women’s rights currently under attack in this country, we can all agree change and unity is needed now more than ever.” I.

For many, however, the best part of the film was the music that came from it! And today, Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson dropped a new version of the movie’s hit song “9 to 5”. Why did the country star choose Kelly for the remake?

In a press release, Parton said: “Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She makes any song come alive. 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.”

The song comes at a time when the music world is seeing many remakes and new collaborations. Most recently,  Elton John and Britney Spears’ remake of “Tiny Dancer” has come into the spotlight. The collaboration is a mash-up of John’s “Tiny Dancer,” “The One,” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” and debuted on Aug. 26. It hit the charts at number six and is currently on the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

“Who knew that 42 years later, I’d still be working 9 to 5,” Parton said in a statement last month. “I believed then, and I believe now, that every person deserves to be paid fairly for their work… no matter what they are. I think this documentary shows that the struggle continues and that we all need to do our part to help make things better for everybody.”

The song was originally released in 1980 alongside the comedy film’s release. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Parton an Academy Award nomination for the best original song as well as four Grammy nominations and two wins in the best country song and best country vocal performance, female.

This also isn’t Parton’s first time recreating the hit song – it might be the most anticipated though! Last year, she debuted her first Super Bowl ad, where she recreated “9 to 5” and made it into “5 to 9” for Squarespace.

Will you listen to the single? How about the documentary!? Sound off below in the comments. We would love to hear from you.