Dolly Parton has made it clear that while she’s cheering for the upcoming remake of “9 to 5,” she won’t be appearing on screen.
According to People, the music legend shared support for the film led by Jennifer Aniston, noting her excitement for the modernized story but confirming there are no plans for her or her former castmates to reprise their original roles.
Speaking with HuffPost on May 21, 2025, Parton explained that despite years of efforts to reunite the original cast for a sequel, those plans never came together. Parton starred in the 1980 workplace comedy as Doralee Rhodes alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. The film was a commercial success and helped address issues of sexism and inequality in the workplace.
The country icon revealed that she, Tomlin, and Fonda had tried for years to develop a follow-up called “9 to 5: Two.” According to Parton, despite their enthusiasm, the idea never moved forward to actual production.
Jennifer Aniston, 56, is now stepping in to helm a fresh take on the popular workplace tale through a full-fledged remake. Aniston had expressed interest in involving the original cast in the new version, but Parton says that’s not in the cards.
“We have no plans to be in that,” Parton said. She pointed to the age of the former trio as a reason they may no longer be suited for starring roles in the modern storyline. “We’re all older now,” she explained, adding that appearing on screen alongside a new, younger cast was not something she envisioned happening.
Nevertheless, Parton spoke highly of the script for the remake. She described it as a revised and timely version of the story that aligns the office setting with today’s world. She credited the update with making the narrative feel meaningful for a new generation.
“The script I read, I thought, was really good and a new and different take that brings the office up to date,” she said. Despite stepping away from the screen, Parton is eager to lend her talents in other creative ways.
Parton said she gave Aniston her blessing to include the original theme song “9 to 5,” which she wrote and performed for the original film. The track became a cultural hit and is still associated with themes of workplace empowerment.
She also offered to contribute new music if the production team needs it. “If you need some additional songs, or if you need the ‘9 to 5’ song rewritten or reworked,” she told Aniston, “you know, to do that.”
Parton added that she “would love to write some music” for the movie and hopes to be involved in that way creatively. Her desire to remain part of the project, at least musically, shows her ongoing dedication to the story that helped launch her Hollywood career.
This isn’t the first time Parton has aided a reboot. She was previously an uncredited producer on the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” film and will be contributing to its upcoming reboot through her company, Sandollar Productions.
Parton said she plans to support the “Buffy” revival by contributing as needed, ranging from involvement in production strategy to possibly generating episode concepts. Her openness to behind-the-scenes roles reflects a shift in focus from acting to broader creative development.
“I will be as involved as I need to be, or as I can be,” she remarked when discussing her participation in the “Buffy” project. That flexible engagement may mirror her approach to the “9 to 5” remake.
The new “9 to 5” script is being penned by screenwriter Diablo Cody, best known for her Academy Award-winning work on “Juno.” Cody has expressed a strong personal connection to the material.
In an interview with PEOPLE in August 2024, Cody said she felt compelled to take on the writing role. “If I don’t do this, I’m going to regret it,” she said, explaining that her decision stemmed from a feeling of passion and ownership.
Cody noted that she tends to pursue the projects that spark envy in her if done by someone else, and that standard applied to the “9 to 5” remake. Her involvement brings fresh energy to the script while aligning with the film’s updated message.
While original fans may be disappointed that Parton and her former co-stars won’t return on screen, Parton’s support signals confidence in the new vision. Her connection to Aniston, whom she calls a friend of many years, has helped maintain a sense of continuity.
Parton’s belief that the new film still reflects the spirit of the original—while also speaking to today’s workforce—may encourage long-time admirers to embrace the remake. Her musical legacy and creative influence also ensure her signature will remain part of the production.
For now, it seems “9 to 5” will receive a new voice for a new era, with Dolly Parton’s melody still echoing behind the scenes.
