Why Dolly Parton Once Got 'Very Upset' With Her 9 To 5 Co-Stars

Dolly Parton isn't typically thought of as someone who got upset with her co-stars, or had issues with anyone really, but Jane Fonda revealed that the country music icon called her and Lily Tomlin out once. However, let's just say Parton's frustrations were completely on-brand (and Fonda was pretty awestruck by the sentiments herself). The actor opened up about Parton calling her co-stars to order after the beloved country music superstar's death in August 2026. While speaking to Democracy Now, Fonda was asked what Parton meant to her, and the "9 to 5" star's voice broke as she shared simply, "She meant love." Fonda then recounted one of the moments the Grammy winner's genuine care for others took center stage — and, funnily enough, it was in response to a playful pose they struck. 

"They took a picture of us with our eyes crossed, and she got very upset. She said, 'We never can show this to anybody.' She said, 'It looks like we're making fun [...] I have a relative who's cross-eyed. I don't ever want to see this picture,'" Fonda recounted. Though we have no doubts there was no ulterior motive, the "Monster-in-Law" star was clearly moved by her co-star's firm stance. Fonda and Parton remained friends long after "9 to 5" wrapped. The Oscar winner recalled how Parton had invited her along as she toured Appalachia, so Fonda could prepare for her role in "The Dollmaker." Again, something that stuck out to her during that time was the country icon's love and respect for her fans, some of whom had no running water and lived in shacks. "It was so clear that she absolutely respected them," Fonda gushed, adding that Parton taught her to be just as respectful of her own supporters too.

Jane Fonda isn't the only "9 to 5" star who gushed at length over how fundamentally kindhearted Dolly Parton was. At the 2025 Governors Awards (also known as the Honorary Oscars), Lily Tomlin presented the iconic singer-songwriter with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. "Her humanitarian achievements are as staggering as her formidable singing career," she enthused (via YouTube), going on to laud Parton for her commitment to staying true to herself, her values, and to uplifting others no matter what. The "Grandma" star also pointed out that she'd refused to crack a joke about Parton having fake hair and nails because it simply felt wrong to her. She even tried it out at the butcher to see if it would land, and sure enough, Tomlin was met with the same knee-jerk reaction she'd had. 

"You could see the look of perplexity and the concern that came over the person's face, because I was betraying Dolly, the image, the soul, the heart of Dolly. It is so good and so true," the actor professed. No lies, there! Much like Jane Fonda, Tomlin also stayed close with Parton over the years, and all three of "9 to 5's" leading ladies even reunited in the finale of Tomlin and Fonda's "Grace and Frankie." In a touching allusion to Parton's "9 to 5" character, the country star played a secretary to God, and gave a sneaky hint to Fonda and Tomlin's characters in their time of need. In the spirit of Parton's consideration for others, we won't share any specifics about the episode here, but what we will say is that the finale is well worth a watch. Just be sure to have a big ol' box of tissues at the ready.