Dolly Parton's Unfinished Dream: The Sequel That Never Was
Dolly Parton has spent decades hoping to revisit her legendary role in '9 to 5.' Despite multiple attempts and a new remake on the horizon, the long-awaited sequel remains just out of reach.
Few figures in American culture have earned the title of national treasure quite like Dolly Parton. Her impact stretches far beyond her chart-topping hits—she’s the creative force behind classics like ‘I Will Always Love You’ and the founder of the Dollywood Foundation, which has funneled millions into charitable causes. From building theme parks to supporting vaccine research, Parton’s legacy is as much about giving back as it is about her music and acting career.
Parton’s time on the big screen includes memorable roles in films such as Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the latter earning her a Golden Globe nod. But it was her debut in ‘9 to 5’ that truly cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Parton played Doralee Rhodes, a secretary who, with her coworkers, takes on their chauvinistic boss. The role blended humor and heart, making Doralee both endearing and sharp-witted, and the trio’s chemistry propelled the film to become a landmark feminist comedy.
Hollywood Recognition and a Lasting Legacy
Her performance in ‘9 to 5’ brought Parton three Golden Globe nominations, including for her acting and for the film’s music, as well as an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The title track, ‘9 to 5,’ shot to number one and became a defining anthem of the early 1980s. That year marked a high point for Parton, who proved she could shine just as brightly on screen as she did in the recording studio.
Given the film’s enduring popularity, it’s no surprise that Parton has spent years hoping to return to the story. She’s made no secret of her desire to reunite with Fonda and Tomlin for a follow-up.
“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, reflecting on the many attempts to get a sequel off the ground.
Attempts, Setbacks, and a Glimmer of Hope
Plans for a sequel first surfaced in the 1980s, with Tom Mankiewicz attached to direct. However, the project stalled when Fonda wasn’t satisfied with the direction, and the idea was shelved. Decades later, rumors of another sequel began to swirl, raising hopes that the original trio might finally return to the screen together. But once again, the project failed to materialize.
In a 2019 interview, 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, renewed interest in workplace issues like harassment and pay inequality sparked fresh discussions about a sequel. Yet, finding a new angle for the beloved characters proved too challenging, leaving fans waiting for a reunion that may never come.
A New Chapter on the Horizon?
While the original cast’s sequel remains elusive, a remake produced by Jennifer Aniston is reportedly in development. Parton has expressed her support for the project and her continued hope that the story of ‘9 to 5’ will live on for a new generation. For now, though, the sequel she’s always dreamed of remains just out of reach, a testament to both the film’s lasting impact and the challenges of recapturing its magic.