Dolly Parton Gave Her Blessing to Jennifer Aniston's '9 to 5' Remake — but Had No Plans to Star in It

For years, Dolly Parton tried to make a "9 to 5" sequel happen with her original costars. It never came together, so when Jennifer Aniston's version did, Parton gave it her full support instead.

Jennifer Aniston is bringing "9 to 5" back to the screen, and Dolly Parton gave the actress her blessing, even if she wasn't planning to appear in it herself.

Jennifer Aniston and Dolly Parton at the premiere of Netflix's "Dumplin'" on December 6, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Aniston, 57, has partnered with "Juno" writer Diablo Cody to develop a fresh take on the 1980 workplace comedy through her production company, Echo Films.

Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin starred in the original film as three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist boss, with Parton earning an Oscar nomination for the title song.

Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in publicity portrait for the film '9 to 5', 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Parton told HuffPost in May 2025 that she, Fonda, and Tomlin had tried for years to develop a sequel of their own, "9 to 5: Two," but things never materialized.

When Aniston's remake was brought to her attention, Parton said the “Friends” alum was hoping the three original stars would be "involved in it somehow." However, none of them had plans to appear onscreen. Parton joked it was partly because they were older now and 'not gonna look that good on the big screen.’”

Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda speak during the 69th Emmy Awards on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Despite this, Parton made clear that Aniston had her full support. "I love Jennifer. I think it'll be a wonderful thing," she said, even praising the script for its fresh, modern take on office life. She also offered up her music, telling HuffPost she'd invited Aniston to use the original "9 to 5" song or have it reworked for the new film.