The new take on Parton’s popular song was recorded for the documentary Still Working 9 to 5.
Dolly Parton couldn’t help expressing her amusement: “Who knew that 42 years later, l’d still be working 9 to 5?”
But the beloved superstar took it very seriously as she offered interviews and more to the makers of Still Working 9 to 5, the entertaining and enlightening documentary that depicts the production history of the classic 1980 comedy 9 to 5 while also reflecting on the timelessness of the issues raised in the film and the treatment of women in the workforce.
“I believed then, and I believe now that every person deserves to be paid fairly for their work,” says Parton. “No matter who they are. I think this documentary shows that the struggle continues and that we all need to do our part to help make things better for everybody.”
Directed by Camille Hardman and Gary Lane, Still Working 9 to 5 showcases interviews with the cast of the original film — Parton, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dabney Coleman — as well as Rita Moreno from the 9 to 5 TV series, and Allison Janney from the 9 to 5 Broadway musical. It has been exceptionally well-received on the festival circuit — the upcoming Nashville Film Festival has it on its playlist — and is scheduled to have a limited theatrical release Sept. 16-22 in New York and Los Angeles.
But Parton is more than just another talking head for Still Working 9 to 5. She also recorded a new version of her theme for the 1980 movie — this one more pensive than defiant — with no less a notable than Kelly Clarkson.
“It was so great getting to sing the reimagined version of ‘9 to 5’,” Clarkson says. “It was amazing — not only the new song, but the documentary Still Working 9 to 5 is also amazing.”
The duet recording is available starting today wherever you order your music.