In a statement about the duet, which was recorded for the upcoming documentary Still Working 9 to 5, Clarkson said, “I am so thrilled that Dolly wanted me to reinterpret this famous song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her!”
Dolly Parton is Still Working 9 to 5 was originally released more than 40 years ago.
Parton, 76, collaborated with Kelly Clarkson to record a brand-new duet version of “9 to 5,” which was released on Friday. The duet was recorded in advance of the upcoming documentary Still Working 9 to 5 about the renowned comedy film 9 to 5 and its cultural influence.
The downtempo, vocoder-laced pop ballad was written with Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan, and King Henry and features Clarkson, 40, singing the working class country song. It serves as a great accompaniment for the current campaign for women’s equality in the workplace.
Parton noted in a news release about the song, “Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She brings any song to life. I’m so happy I got to sing alongside her on “9 to 5,” and I’m equally happy about Shane McAnally’s fantastic arrangement and production.
In a press release, Clarkson also gushed about how much she admired Parton. The Kelly Clarkson Show host wrote, “I am so thrilled that Dolly asked me to reinterpret this legendary song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her! “She is one of the loveliest persons you will ever meet, very creative, and an example to all women!”
I hope you like what we did, but even if you don’t, keep in mind that I got to perform a duet with the legendary Dolly Parton and now have bragging rights for all eternity, said Clarkson.
In a press release, McAnally, 47, discussed working with both artists. He remarked, “It is a craziest fantasy scenario to work with 2 of the world’s best singers on one of the all-time greatest songs,” before making a suggestion that Parton and Clarkson may release further music. “I have a feeling it won’t be the last time Dolly and Kelly record together, and I am so thrilled to be a part of it,” said Kelly.
The comedy picture with the same name, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, was also released in 1980 at the same time as “9 to 5”. The song reached its highest point on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 1, earning Parton four Grammy nominations and two wins for best country song and best country vocal performance, female, in addition to an Academy Award nomination for best original song.
Still Working 9 to 5 will include a segment on Parton and Clarkson’s duet in which they discuss the movie and its feminist themes. Rita Moreno from the 9 to 5 TV series and Allison Janney from the stage adaption will also appear in the documentary, which will premiere on September 16. McAnally is the executive producer of the documentary, which also features activists and other key players from the women’s rights movement.
Parton has previously recreated the well-known popular tune. For website business Squarespace, the artist last year debuted her first-ever Super Bowl commercial, rewriting “9 to 5” as “5 to 9.”
Parton sang in the commercial, “Workin’ 5 to 9, you’ve got passion and a vision. ‘Cause it’s hustlin’ time, only way to make a livin’.” Your life is about to change, therefore use a website that is deserving of your dreams to do something meaningful.
She discussed the advertisement with the host of Today, Hoda Kotb, saying at the time, “I’m pleased about it because this was a fantastic way to bring back that song and add new lines and talk about what these new folks are doing.”
Parton also told The Associated Press, “I work 365 [days] a year. I’m always working 5 to 9, 9 to 5, and I work all hours of the day and night.” Whatever is to be done must be completed, no matter how long it takes.