Dolly Parton Bows Out of 9 to 5 Remake But Offers Music Support: “We’re All Older Now”

May 23, 2025: Dolly Parton is cheering on Jennifer Aniston’s 9 to 5 remake — just not from the cast.

The 79-year-old country legend confirmed she has “no plans” to appear in the updated version of the 1980 workplace comedy that made her a big-screen star. Speaking to HuffPost on May 21, Parton said she’s excited to see a modern twist on the classic, even if she won’t be reprising her iconic role as Doralee Rhodes.

“Jane [Fonda], Lily [Tomlin], and I tried for years to create a proper sequel — a 9 to 5: Two, if you will,” Parton said. “It never came together.”

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Now, over 40 years later, a remake is finally in development, with Jennifer Aniston producing and Diablo Cody (Juno) penning the script. While Aniston hoped to include all three original stars, Parton confirmed that’s unlikely.

“We’re all older now. We’re not gonna look that good on the big screen next to all those fresh young people,” Parton joked.

Although she won’t act in the new film, Parton offered her full support — including her musical talents. She told Aniston she’s open to letting them use or rework her iconic song “9 to 5”, and even write new music for the remake.

“I’d love to be involved through the music,” Parton said. “I told her, ‘You’re welcome to use the song, and if you need it updated, I’ll help.’”

As for casting the new Doralee Rhodes? Parton has full faith in the production team. “Some great person will take on the role,” she said, while reaffirming her excitement to watch the finished film.

This isn’t Parton’s first behind-the-scenes contribution to a reboot — she was an uncredited producer on the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and through her Sandollar Productions company, she’ll also be involved in its upcoming reboot.

“I’ll be as involved as they need me to be,” she said. “Or I might even throw in some episode ideas.”

Meanwhile, screenwriter Diablo Cody said she jumped at the chance to bring 9 to 5 into a modern office culture. “When I heard they needed a writer, I thought, ‘If I don’t do this, I’ll regret it.’ That’s always my sign to take the job.”