There’s something truly special about the bond between Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton. These two iconic women, who have been friends for over four decades, share a connection that transcends the ordinary. In a heartfelt moment, Jane, now 82, spoke about her admiration for Dolly, who is 74, and why she holds such a cherished place in her heart.
“Dolly has this unique ability to make people feel seen and valued. Her music is like a warm embrace that reaches out to everyone, especially those who might feel overlooked,” Jane shared in the A&E documentary Biography: Dolly, her voice breaking slightly with emotion. “When we’ve been out in public together, I’ve witnessed firsthand how her fans will travel long distances just to be near her. I’ve spent time with many big-name movie stars, but I’ve never seen the kind of loyalty and devotion her fans have for her. It’s absolutely incredible.”
From Screen to Stage: A Beautiful Collaboration
Back in 1980, Jane, Dolly, and Lily Tomlin came together for the iconic film 9 to 5. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their collaboration created a movie that resonated with audiences worldwide. Jane reminisced about the experience, saying, “Spending a day with Dolly is like taking a masterclass in laughter. You can’t help but cross your legs from laughing so hard.”
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The Professionalism Behind the Curtain
What struck Jane most about Dolly wasn’t just her humor or charm—it was her professionalism. “From the moment she stepped out of her room, she was ready to go. I never saw her without her full regalia. She’s a true professional, and I was deeply impressed by her dedication,” Jane recalled. This level of commitment set the tone for their entire working relationship and made it clear why Dolly is such a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Creating Doralee: A Role Modeled After Dolly
When Jane first approached Dolly about joining the cast of 9 to 5, she had a specific vision in mind. “Doralee was modeled after Dolly’s personality. Despite growing up without many material advantages, Dolly understands what it means to be overlooked or challenged. She’s undoubtedly faced sexual harassment throughout her career, which gave her an authentic perspective for the role,” Jane explained. With her unique background and talent, Dolly was the perfect fit for the character of Doralee.
But Dolly had one condition: “When Jane approached me with the idea, I said, ‘This is a great opportunity, but I’ll only do it if I can write the theme song.’” And boy, did she deliver! The iconic “9 to 5” theme song not only became a cultural phenomenon but also earned an Oscar nomination. Decades later, the friendship between Jane, Dolly, and Lily remains as strong as ever. That’s the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime!
