Dolly Parton's musical legacy is marked by heart, hope, and steely determination, as highlighted by BBC music correspondent Mark Savage. In 1980, while filming her first Hollywood movie, 9 To 5, Parton conceived the tune that would become the film's theme song. Although her guitar was banned from the set, she created the beat by strumming her acrylic nails together, mimicking the sound of a typewriter used by her character, a secretary facing workplace harassment.

Excited by the idea, Parton shared the song with co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, the latter also the film's producer. Fonda recalled, "Lily and I looked at each other and we had goosebumps." Released in November 1980, 9 To 5 became Parton's only US number one as a solo artist and earned her an Oscar nomination for best song.

However, the night before the recording session, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager, reportedly told Parton that Elvis would not record the song unless she surrendered half of the publishing rights.

Parton's 1974 concept album My Tennessee Mountain Home serves as a musical autobiography, opening with her reciting the first letter she wrote home after moving to Nashville as a teenager. Her feminist message in 9 To 5 was preceded by songs like When Possession Gets Too Strong and Just Because I'm A Woman, which challenged double standards in relationships with lyrics such as "My mistakes are no worse than yours / Just because I'm a woman."

In 2008, Parton addressed perceptions of her image in the song Backwood Barbie, singing, "I've always been misunderstood because of how I look."

Her work continues to resonate, embodying themes of resilience and empowerment.

Notable Quotes

  • "Lily and I looked at each other and we had goosebumps," Jane Fonda said.
  • "And we knew, this is not just a movie song, this is an anthem."
  • "Working 9 To 5 / What a way to make a living!"
  • "It's a rich man's game, no matter what they call it / And you spend your life putting money in his wallet."
  • "They just use your mind and they never give you credit."