9 to 5

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9 to 5

Who is Dolly Parton?

Parton was born on January 19, 1946 in Sevierville, TN. She is the fourth of 12 children who grew up in a one room cabin. Parton moved to Nashville one day after her high school graduation when she was 18. Three years after moving to the Music City she released her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly” and became a regular on Porter Wagoner’s weekly TV and touring show. Seven years later, Parton left Wagoner to embark on her solo career.

She penned the song, “I Will Always Love You” in response to Wagoner’s animosity towards her leaving. Parton has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. In addition to being a successful musician, Parton is an actress and entrepreneur. Parton is best known for her movie roles in “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Straight Talk,” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Since 1986, Parton has owned Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. Parton’s Top 5 songs are “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “Islands in the Stream.”


Famous Dolly Parton Quotes:

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” - Dolly Parton

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!” - Dolly Parton

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” - Dolly Parton

“I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else.” - Dolly Parton

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” - Dolly Parton

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” - Dolly Parton


9 to 5: The Song, Movie, and Musical

Parton wrote the song “9 to 5” in 1980 while on set filming the movie. Parton’s inspiration for the song was her very long, acrylic nails. She discovered when you rub them together they created a rhythm like a typewriter. Both the song and movie exposed gender inequality in the workplace. Parton had personal experience with gender inequality as she had worked in the male-dominated world of country music. “9 to 5” was featured on Parton’s 23rd album, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs which was released in 1980. The song became a crossover hit for Parton, she was able to expand her audience to mainstream pop. The song won the 1981 Grammy for Best Country Song and Best Country Female Vocal Performance. In 1985, Parton was sued over allegations that she copied Neil and Jan Goldberg’s song, “Money World.” The jury found Parton innocent. The Goldberg’s were rejected a retrial over their claims that the jury was “star struck” by Parton.

The concept for 9 to 5 began with Jane Fonda and was based on a real-life organization. The movie was originally intended to be a drama, but after Fonda saw Tomlin on stage, she wanted her in the film and changed the concept to a comedy. 9 to 5 is ranked number 74 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Funniest American Movies of All Time. The movie’s premise follows three working women who dream of getting even with their sexist boss. In Patricia Resnick’s first draft was a dark comedy where the secretaries tried to kill their boss in funny ways and later hang him, but Fonda was concerned it would be too dark. Resnick wrote the script with Parton, Fonda and Lilly Tomlin in mind. If Parton or Tomlin had turned down their roles, Carol Burnett and Ann-Margaret were considered. Tomlin initially turned down the role of Violet. Tomlin’s wife, Jane Wagner convinced her that it would be the biggest mistake of her life if she did not do the role.

9 to 5 was Parton’s first experience on a movie set. She arrived with the entire script memorized including her co-star’s parts. Parton would only star in the film if she could write the theme song and Fonda agreed. 9 to 5 was the second highest grossing movie of 1980 earning more than $100 million at the box office. The film was turned into a TV series that ran five seasons from 1982 - 1988. Those included in the cast were Jeffrey Tambor, Rita Moreno, Sally Struthers, Valerie Curtin and Dolly Parton’s sister Rachel Dennison who played Parton’s role of Doralee. There are reports that in the era of the #METOO movement there is a sequel being planned written by Resnick and Rashida Jones.

9 to 5: The Musical opened out of town in Los Angeles on September 3, 2008. The musical starred Allison Janney (Violet), Stephanie J. Block (Julie) and Megan Hilty (Doralee). The musical was directed by Joe Mantello (Wicked). The musical officially opened on Broadway on April 30, 2009 and played for 148 performances before closing in September 2009. 9 to 5: The Musical broke a record for the most Drama Desk nominations in one season. Alison Janney won Outstanding Actress in a Musical. A revamped tour was launched September 2010 with Jeff Calhoun as the director. The tour starred Dee Hoty (Violet), Diana DeGarmo (Doralee) and Mamie Paris (Judy). The tour concluded after 10 months on July 31, 2011. The show has premiered in several countries: United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany and a future premiere is set in Scotland in 2019.


Famous Quotes from 9 to 5: The Movie

“I'm as friendly as I know how to be to everyone in that office, and they treat me like a bastard at a family reunion.” - Doralee Rhodes

“Hit the road, buster, this is where you get off!” - Judy Bernly

“Well, I say hire a couple'a wranglers to go upstairs and beat the shit out of him.” - Doralee Rhodes

“I’m no fool. I've killed the boss, you think they're not gonna fire me for a thing like that?” - Violet Newstead

“At LEAST you're pretty. You should see some of the crones who come through here.” - Franklin Hart, Jr.

"We're gonna need a special locker for the hat.” - Violet Newstead