Country music icon Dolly Parton and pop and tv star Kelly Clarkson collaborated on an inspired duet version of “9 to 5,” arriving today (September 9) via SMACKSongs/Atlantic Records ahead of the Still Working 9 to 5 documentary (premiering September 16th).
The artists teamed up with the film’s executive producer Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan & King Henry to reimagine the classic song into a melancholic yet inspirational anthem over 40 years after the original’s release as the fight for workplace equality persists.
Written and recorded by Dolly Parton and produced by Gregg Berry, the original “9 to 5” debuted in 1980 in tandem with the film of the same name starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Original Song and four Grammy Award nominations – winning two of the latter for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
“Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She makes any song come alive. I love her voice on 9 to 5 and I am so proud I got to sing with her on it. I’m equally as proud of the wonderful arrangement and production by Shane McAnally.” said Dolly in a press statement.
“I am so honored that Dolly asked me to reimagine this iconic song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her! She is so talented, an inspiration to all women, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet! I hope y’all like what we did, but even if you don’t, remember I got to sing a duet with the magical Dolly Parton and now have bragging rights til the end of time!” said Kelly.
“It is a wildest dream scenario to work with two of the world’s greatest singers on one of the all-time greatest songs,” said McAnally. “Co-produced and rearranged with my friends Sasha Sloan and King Henry, this classic has taken on a brand new life 40 years after its original chart run, and I am so grateful to be a part of the first time Dolly and Kelly have recorded together. I have a feeling it won’t be the last.”
Kelly recently celebrated 20 years since winning the inaugural season of American Idol. She’s taking a break from coaching The Voice, but the icon will kick of the fourth season of her Emmy winning afternoon talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show on Monday, September 12. She plans to release her forthcoming album in 2023.
