Dolly Parton reveals she has recorded a new version of '9 To 5'
The song will feature in an upcoming documentary
Last updated 4th Feb 2022
Country legend Dolly Parton released her world-renowned song '9 To 5' in 1980, and has now revealed that she has recorded a new version of the classic track with singer Kelly Clarkson.
This new, slower version of the song has been described as "haunting", and will appear in a new documentary called Still Working 9 To 5. The upcoming film follows on from the 9 To 5 film released in 1980, which was later turned into a musical in 2008.
The official description for the documentary says that the film: "Examines the 40-year evolution of gender inequality and discrimination in the workplace since 1980," and "Explores why workplace inequality 40 years later was never a laughing matter."
Speaking about how the new song differs from the original, co-director and producer Camille Hardman explained: "The first iteration, Dolly’s original version was very upbeat. There was a lot of hope I would say in the song.
“And this version is just a little bit melancholic." She went on to talk about the new documentary's themes and said: "Women are still trying to get equality and it hasn’t happened yet, 42 years after this song was created.”
Watch the trailer for Still Working 9 To 5:
This version of the song also differs from the 1980 track as it features the incredible vocals of Kelly Clarkson, which co-director and producer Gary Lane commented on: "Kelly — you can’t believe how she changes it, too. It’s really mind blowing.”
Speaking about the singers joining forces for the track Gary said: "We could do a documentary just on the making of the duet. It almost feels like launching two projects in one.”
Steve Summers, Dolly's creative director and an executive producer on the film, commented that the new version of '9 To 5' focuses more on the lyrics: "I’ve probably heard that song a thousand times, and I really never heard the words to the song till I heard them right there.'”
The documentary will premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March, where attendees will get the first listen of the new track, before it is later released to the public. There will also be a music video released with the song, which Dolly refers to as '9 to 5: The Slow Version’.
Take a look at these inspiring Dolly Parton quotes:
"It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world."
Dolly Parton performing in 1976.
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
Dolly on stage.
"You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things that you can’t put a dollar sign on. "
Dolly Parton on stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."
Dolly Parton and her Goddaughter Miley Cyrus on stage at the Grammy Awards in 2019.
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
Dolly Parton and her former partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, who she wrote her hit 'I Will Always Love You' about.
"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."
Dolly performing on stage at the UK Country Music Festival.
"Never leave a rhinestone unturned."
Dolly Parton in a publicity shot for the film 'Rhinestone' in 1984.
"Life is short, keep your dreams big and your hair bigger."
Dolly Parton co-hosting the 57th Academy Of Country Music Awards in March 2022.
"When it comes to music or hair, crank up the volume!"
Dolly performed at the Academy of Country Music Awards 2022.
As well as helping to create Still Working 9 To 5, Dolly will be releasing her upcoming album and debut book which are both called Run Rose Run in early March. The country singer released the single 'Big Dreams And Faded Jeans' on 17th January, ahead of the full album release, which got fans even more excited to hear the full 12-track record.
The country legend may also be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, as Dolly was announced as a nominee for the 2022 intake on 2nd February. The final list of artists to be inducted will be announced in May and the ceremony will take place in autumn.
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Dolly Parton nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2022