Introduction
Remembering an Icon: Jane Fonda Reflects on the Legacy and Feminism of Dolly Parton
Following the private burial of country music legend Dolly Parton in Nashville, host Amy Goodman sat down with acclaimed actress and activist Jane Fonda at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival. Parton’s passing has triggered a global outpouring of grief, celebrating a trailblazing career that spanned decades across music and film. Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Fonda shared intimate memories of working alongside Parton and comedian Lily Tomlin in the iconic 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5.
Fonda recalled how the concept for 9 to 5 grew out of conversations with Karen Nussbaum, an activist organizing women office workers in the 1970s. Initially envisioning a dark comedy, Fonda shifted direction after being awestruck by Lily Tomlin’s one-woman show Appearing Nightly. Shortly after, hearing Parton’s single “Two Doors Down” on the radio sparked a flash of inspiration: Parton belonged in the movie as an office secretary.
Though Parton had never acted in a feature film before, she arrived on set fully prepared, having memorized the entire script. Weeks into filming, Parton called her co-stars into a corner during lunch to share a new song, tapping her long fingernails together as percussion. She sang “9 to 5” on the spot, giving Fonda and Tomlin immediate goosebumps and creating an enduring anthem for working women everywhere.
To help Fonda research her role as a rural woman in The Dollmaker, Parton invited Fonda on a ten-day tour bus trip through Appalachia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, even bringing Fonda onstage to sing backup at the Grand Ole Opry. Throughout their travels—visiting fans living in modest tarpaper shacks—Parton always appeared in her signature glamor. Fonda noted that Parton’s polished look stemmed from deep respect for her audience, teaching Fonda the vital importance of honoring fans.
Beyond her warmth and legendary sense of humor, Fonda emphasized Parton’s extraordinary intelligence and emotional vision, describing her as someone with the ability to see straight into the essence of people. Despite being stereotyped for her appearance, Parton famously took control of her own image, joking about herself before anyone else could.
When asked if Parton was a feminist, Fonda responded without hesitation: “Oh, absolutely.” Fonda explained that Parton maintained total ownership over her talent, business, and career, living on her own terms from the start. As fans around the world mourn the legendary star, Parton’s legacy endures through her immortal music, sharp intellect, and unwavering love for people.