Dolly Parton, an enduring icon of country music and film, recently gave her endorsement to a new remake of the classic comedy, *9 to 5*, which originally starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Parton’s support comes even as she affirmed that she has no plans to participate in this reimagined version, which is being spearheaded by actress and producer Jennifer Aniston.
Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, made her Hollywood debut in *9 to 5* in 1980. Her performance in the film, which showcased the struggles of three office workers against their sexist boss, earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for its memorable theme song. The original film resonated with audiences, addressing relevant workplace issues while providing a satirical lens on gender dynamics in the office.
Aniston, now 57, has engaged Oscar-winning writer Diablo Cody to craft a new screenplay inspired by the beloved original. This project is produced under Aniston’s production company, Echo Films, which she co-runs with Kristin Hahn. They aim to modernise the storyline to reflect contemporary realities in the workplace, where remote work and gig employment have become common.
In a recent interview with HuffPost, Parton reflected on her history with the film, revealing that she, Fonda, and Tomlin had previously attempted to develop a sequel but had been unsuccessful. “We had been trying for years to come up with a *9 to 5: Two*,” she shared, noting the challenges of finding a viable script that encompassed the changing landscape of work.
Responding to Aniston’s project, Parton expressed her admiration for the actress, stating, “I think it’ll be a wonderful thing… I do wish her the best.” She noted that she had read the script and believed it offered a fresh perspective that aligns with current societal norms and workplace situations. In a humorous twist, Parton acknowledged that their age posed a challenge to re-entering the storyline, saying, “We’re all older now. We’re not gonna look that good on the big screen.”
Lily Tomlin, now 86, had also shared insights about the difficulties in bringing a sequel to life. She revealed that an official attempt at a sequel script had once been made but fell short of expectations. “We had one official crack at the script,” Tomlin explained. “The draft just didn’t work for us. We couldn’t really see the work world today in the pages.” She highlighted how traditional office dynamics have drastically shifted, with many workers now remote and potentially not even knowing their bosses.
Cody, who has partnered with Aniston and Hahn on the *9 to 5* remake, remarked on her unique connection to the corporate world. “I was a corporate 9 to 5 girly,” she said, drawing on her own experiences from working in an advertising agency to inform her writing. Her deep understanding of office culture from years ago allows her to draw parallels to the present environment, making her a fitting choice for this timely reboot.
The production is currently in its development phase, with many fans eager to see how this new rendition will capture the spirit of the original while resonating with a new generation. Aniston’s previous collaboration with Parton on the 2018 film *Dumplin’*, which also featured songs from the legendary star, further solidifies the connection between the two women, bridging their artistic endeavours.
In the background of this excitement lies Parton’s legacy—a multifaceted talent whose contributions to both music and film continue to inspire countless individuals. Her willingness to support Aniston’s project while recognising her own limitations showcases her understanding of both the industry and the importance of evolving narratives in film.
As the remake of *9 to 5* progresses, it is clear that it not only seeks to honour the original hit but also aims to address modern-day challenges faced by workers. With the combination of Aniston’s star power, Cody’s writing prowess, and an evolving corporate landscape, audiences can look forward to an intriguing interpretation of a film that has already left an indelible mark on cinema history.