Introduction
“9 to 5” is a song written and recorded by American entertainer Dolly Parton for the 1980 comedy film 9 to 5. In addition to appearing on the film’s soundtrack, the song was the centerpiece and opening track of Parton’s album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs, released in late 1980.
The song was written for the comedy film 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton in her film debut; both the song and the film owe their titles to 9to5, an organization founded in 1973 to bring about fair pay and equal treatment for women in the workplace.
Released as a single in November 1980, “9 to 5” achieved significant commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Country chart in January 1981 and topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts in February 1981, marking Parton’s first solo number one entry on the Hot 100. The song also reached number one on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and secured top 10 positions in several other countries, including Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The song’s success extended beyond the charts, earning Parton several prestigious awards. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 53rd Academy Awards and won two Grammy Awards: Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards. Additionally, the song won the 1981 People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Motion Picture Song.”
“9 to 5” has left a lasting legacy and is considered one of Parton’s most transformative songs. Rolling Stone ranked it at number seven on its list of the 50 Best Dolly Parton Songs. The song has been featured in various media, including the 2018 film Deadpool 2, and was reimagined by Parton in 2021 as “5 to 9” for a Super Bowl commercial. Its enduring popularity continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a timeless anthem for the working class.