"We have no plans to be in that" - Dolly Parton on being a part of Jennifer Aniston's 9 to 5 remake

Dolly Parton, 79, wrote and recorded the iconic song 9 to 5 for the 1980 film 9 to 5. In addition to creating the remarkable anthem, she also starred in the movie, playing the role of Doralee Rhodes, and shared the screen with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

On May 21, 2025, the renowned country music star sat down in conversation with HuffPost and commented on the remake of the comedy movie. Additionally, she also opened up about her opinions on starring in the sequel.

She confessed that she, Lily, and Jane tried "for years to try to come up with a 9 to 5: Two..." However, that never happened.

Responding to headlines claiming her association with Jennifer Aniston's remake, she shared,

"We have no plans to be in that. But I do wish her the best, because the script I read, I thought, was really good and a new and different take that really brings the office up to date the way that people live now."

Dolly Parton remarked on joining the team of Jennifer Aniston's 9 to 5 remake

With Jennifer Aniston, 56, donning the producer hat, preparations for the 9 to 5 are in progress, around 45 years after the release of the original. According to a People report, Aniston's production company, Echo Films, is backing it with Diablo Cody as the scriptwriter.

While the Friends actress desired to cast the three leading ladies of the original film in its remake, the reality appears to be the opposite. Though Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin tried to work on the second part initially, they have not officially shared their interest in the new project.

The Islands in the Stream singer spoke about the team wanting the three actresses "to be involved in it somehow," but it seems unlikely.

Expressing her love for Aniston, Parton added,

"But I love Jennifer. I think it’ll be a wonderful thing."

In her recent interview, she also reflected on the reason behind refusing to appear in the remake. She explained,

"But I think a lot of it is that, you know, we’re all older now. We’re not gonna look that good on the big screen. All of us up there with all those beautiful, young, fresh people ... so I don’t know."

According to the latest updates about the remake, there is still no confirmation on Dolly Parton making a cameo on the silver screen. While her involvement with the movie seems uncertain at the moment, she talked about offering her musical expertise because she has been friends with Jennifer "through the years".

Recalling her conversation with the Love Happens actress, she further continued,

"I told her, I said, you’re more than welcome to use my song 9 to 5, and if you need some additional songs, or if you need the 9 to 5 song rewritten or reworked, you know, to do that."

She assuredly chimed in that the team will cast "some great person" to play her legendary role in the remake.

Dolly Parton remarked,

"But I’m sure that they’ll find some great person. I don’t have anyone myself in mind for it, but there’s somebody ― there’s a [Doralee, Parton’s character in the movie] out there."

Although she seems unsure about standing in front of the camera for the 9 to 5 sequel, she expressed her desire to contribute to it with music.

She wished,

"I really would love to see the show, and I’d love to be able to write some music, be involved in that way with it."

The original classic 9 to 5, released in 1980, was a major hit. Dolly Parton rose to fame as an actor with this critically and commercially acclaimed movie.