Dolly Parton Makes History with Her 1980 Smash No. 1

In November 1980, Dolly Parton released what would become a defining moment in her career: the crossover hit “9 to 5.” The song not only topped the charts but also became one of Parton’s signature tracks, following in the footsteps of Jeannie C. Riley, a country one-hit wonder whose own hit Parton had covered years earlier on her third studio album, In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad). With “9 to 5,” Parton carried forward a narrative initiated by artists like Riley and Loretta Lynn—songs that empowered women to reclaim their voices rather than dwell solely in heartbreak.

Empowering Women Through Music

Tracks such as Riley’s “Harper Valley P.T.A.” and Parton’s contemporaries paved the way for “9 to 5,” a working-class anthem that blended catchy melodies with a message of female empowerment. Written for the comedy film of the same name, in which Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the song captured the everyday struggles—and resilience—of women navigating a male-dominated workforce.

When “9 to 5” topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts, Parton became only the second woman to achieve such a crossover success, following Riley. The track has since become a cornerstone of Parton’s catalog and an important milestone in country music history.

Writing a Hit with a Touch of Ingenuity

Parton’s creative process for “9 to 5” was as inventive as it was symbolic. Lacking access to a guitar or piano while on set, she used her acrylic nails as percussion, transforming a beauty stereotype into a tool of artistry. The resulting lyrics spoke directly to the female experience in a patriarchal society, capturing both the monotony and the subtle injustices of office life, including the belittlement and sexualization women often faced.

Reflecting on the song during a 2017 appearance on Harry, Parton explained, “I would go home at night after being on the set all day, and I would just write whatever I saw… You just tumble out of bed, and you run to the kitchen, get a cup of ambition, which is one of my favorite lines. It just came, and I went, ‘Yes, thank you, Lord, for that one!’”

A Global Anthem

The song’s appeal extended far beyond the United States. In addition to dominating American charts, “9 to 5” reached the Top 10 in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South Africa, solidifying its status as a global anthem for working women everywhere. By turning everyday female experiences into a universal, uplifting narrative, Parton ensured that “9 to 5” would remain both a cultural and musical touchstone decades after its release.