Watch Dolly Parton in the feminist classic 9 to 5

In 1980, Dolly Parton made her feature film debut in a movie that became a cultural zeitgeist.

9 to 5 was an instant hit and became the second-highest-grossing film of the year. Doralee Rhodes, played by Dolly Parton, is a funny and clever secretary tired of being sexually harassed. Alongside Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin) and Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), coworkers sick of being disrespected and overlooked for promotions, the three devise a plan to get revenge against their chauvinistic, domineering boss.

The theme song, “9 to 5,” was written and performed by Dolly Parton, mimicking the sound of a typewriter by tapping her infamous acrylic nails together. The song shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and Parton became the second woman in history to lead both the country chart and all-genre chart with the same single. Parton won two Grammys and received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The song became an iconic anthem for working people, remaining beloved for decades to come.

The film itself drew inspiration from a real workers’ rights movement. In 1972, secretaries Karen Nussbaum and Ellen Cassedy began organizing women office workers in Boston, publishing the 9to5 newsletter to fight for fair pay, promotions, respect, and basic rights. The 9to5 organization formally launched in 1973.

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