Dolly Parton made her film debut in the iconic movie, 9 to 5, on December 19, 1980. The film starred Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin as three women who seek revenge on their exploitative boss. It became a massive hit, earning over $100 million against a $10 million budget. The success of the film skyrocketed Parton's career and her popularity. She wrote and performed the film's title song, which topped the charts and won several awards. Parton went on to have a successful film career, starring in movies like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. 9 to 5 also had a television series adaptation and a Broadway musical.

In 2019, there were rumors of a sequel with Parton, Fonda, and Tomlin reuniting, but Parton later confirmed that the project had fallen through. However, the three actresses participated in a 2022 documentary called Still Working 9 to 5, which explores the original film's themes of gender discrimination, pay inequity, and workplace harassment. The documentary is a modern-day examination of these issues and how they remain relevant today.