Here's How Dolly Parton Is Finally Reuniting With Her 9 To 5 Costars
With Grace and Frankie nearing its end, it was only a matter of time before Dolly Parton would make an appearance on the show. Why? Because the popular Netflix comedy's co-leads are Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Parton in the classic 1980 film 9 to 5. So what better way to end the show's seventh and final season than with a reunion?
Parton revealed the news during an interview with ITV's Lorraine, after the Netflix show came up in conversation. "I've been trying to do Grace and Frankie for years," the singer said, adding, "It's a crazy wonderful show and we've been trying to write me in somehow. So when it's safe for us to actually do a production, when they're back— I'll probably get around to doing that."
After several delays due to the ongoing pandemic, filming for Grace and Frankie's seventh season is due to start in June 2021 (via the New York Post). So Tomlin and Fonda still have plenty of time to get a cameo for Parton sorted. "We've got a great role for her this time. I think she will do it. I'm just hoping she will," Tomlin said recently (via Today), adding, "And we hope she can do it and we think she can do it by remote."
The last time the 9 to 5 cast reunited was at the 2017 Emmys
As the Today notes, the last time the trio got together was at the 2017 Emmy Awards where they presented the Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Tomlin went on to explain how Parton is always "unbelievably busy," partly giving a reason as to why the singer hasn't appeared on the series until now. "She's always writing books or writing songs or doing something for people or helping people in Tennessee totally."
Despite her frenetic schedule, Parton somehow found time to appear in a Superbowl ad, lending her voice to a re-worked version of her song "9 to 5" for Squarespace. Switching the song's title to "5 to 9," the singer changed the lyrics to fit the company's work with independent business owners. While she doesn't physically appear in the main ad, Squarespace made a separate video of Parton singing "5 to 9" a cappella. Not only that, but in true Dollywood style she uses her pink acrylic nails as a backing instrument.