Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson Bring Fresh Energy — and Poignant Reflection — to ‘9 to 5’ in First Live Duet

More than four decades after Dolly Parton first turned “9 to 5” into an anthem for the working class, the country music legend has found a new way to make the song resonate — this time alongside powerhouse vocalist Kelly Clarkson. The two stars recently joined forces for the debut live performance of their reimagined duet, delivering a full-band, high-energy rendition that lit up The Kelly Clarkson Show stage and reminded audiences why the hit has stood the test of time.

Earlier this year, Parton and Clarkson recorded a slower, more somber version of the song for the documentary Still Working 9 to 5, which revisits the making of the beloved 1980 comedy starring Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, while examining the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace. Produced by Shane McAnally with Sasha Sloan and King Henry, the updated arrangement traded the original’s bounce for a poignant, pop ballad approach, allowing the lyrics’ themes of inequality and perseverance to take center stage.

When Clarkson first stepped out to perform the song live, she began solo, her voice carrying the familiar melody with fresh vitality. Then came the moment fans were waiting for: Parton’s grand entrance, signature heels clicking under shimmering studio lights, as she joined Clarkson for the chorus. From there, the energy only built, the two women harmonizing with a mix of joy and conviction. By the finale, Clarkson dropped into a bow, acknowledging the honor of sharing the stage with one of her musical heroes.

“I am so honored that Dolly asked me to reimagine this iconic song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her,” Clarkson said when the duet was first released in September. “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!”

Parton returned the praise, telling fans, “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 proud of the wonderful arrangement and production by Shane McAnally.”

The original 9 to 5 film became a box office hit in 1980, celebrated not just for its humor but for its pointed commentary on workplace sexism. Over the years, it has inspired a television adaptation, a Broadway musical, and now, a documentary that revisits its cultural impact. Still Working 9 to 5 features interviews with the original cast members as well as Rita Moreno, star of the TV version, and Allison Janney, who headlined the Broadway production.

“Who knew that 42 years later, I’d still be working 9 to 5,” Parton reflected earlier this year. “I believed then, and I believe now, that every person deserves to be paid fairly for their work, no matter who they are. I think this documentary shows that the struggle continues and that we all need to do our part to help make things better for everybody.”

With their live duet, Parton and Clarkson managed to do what few collaborations achieve — honoring the original spirit of a classic while adding fresh meaning for a new generation. Whether as an upbeat country jam or a stripped-back ballad, “9 to 5” remains a rallying cry, proving that some songs aren’t just timeless — they’re still urgently relevant.