Dolly Parton's America – Episode 5: "Dollitics" Summary

Podcast: Dolly Parton's America
Episode: 5 – "Dollitics"
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Host: Jad Abumrad
Producers: WNYC Studios & OSM Audio

Overview

This episode, cleverly titled "Dollitics," explores Dolly Parton's unique and artful stance on politics in the public eye. In a time of increasing division, the podcast investigates how Dolly has become one of the few universally beloved American figures, adeptly sidestepping political controversy while standing at the intersection of major social movements—most notably with her involvement in "9 to 5." Through interviews, historical context, and memorable anecdotes, host Jad Abumrad and producer Shima Oliaee unpack the complex relationship between Dolly, politics, and her vast fanbase, attempting to answer the question: how does Dolly remain the "Great Unifier" in polarized times?

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Dolly Parton's Public Persona and Political Neutrality

• Opening scenes find Dolly in London, preparing for the "9 to 5: The Musical" red carpet amid city protests, highlighting how she constantly navigates chaotic energies while remaining poised (01:23–04:38).
• Dolly humorously describes her approach to interviews:

  “Ask me whatever you ask me and I’m gonna tell you what I want you to hear.”
  (Dolly Parton, 01:29)

• The theme of Dolly as a "Great Unifier" is introduced; she manages to "glide above the fray" during times of intense division (08:45).

2. The Origins of "9 to 5" and Its Political Roots

• The episode dives into the 1970s women's workplace movement, with activist Karen Nussbaum recounting the founding of the 9 to 5 group and her activism with Jane Fonda (09:38–13:44).
• Historian Lane Windham provides context: “Until 1973, 74, women couldn’t even get credit in their own name… That was the culture then.” (12:00)
• The creative roots of "9 to 5" are revealed: Jane Fonda, inspired by Nussbaum’s activism, proposes a film based on clerical workers’ stories (15:36–16:29).

3. Making "9 to 5" a Farce—and a Movement Anthem

• Jane Fonda explains why the movie, despite dark origins, needed to be a farce to function as a political vehicle:

  “You make a movie so that even if people don’t want to deal with the issues… they’ll like the movie anyway because it’s really funny.”
  (Jane Fonda, 18:01)

• Dolly is cast, partly as a business strategy (to bring in her Southern audience), but also from a spontaneous "vision" Jane had (19:11–19:51).
• Dolly seized "9 to 5" as an opportunity primarily for songwriting:

  “Because the music is most important to me. And I wouldn’t have agreed to do 9 to 5 if I hadn’t seen it as an outlet for my music...”
  (Dolly Parton, 21:51)

4. Creating the Anthem — “9 to 5”

• Dolly’s unique fingernails inspired the typewriter rhythm in the classic track, which she debuted for her co-stars on set (22:10–22:45).
• Jane Fonda and others immediately recognized the song’s power:

  “Both Lily and I looked at each other and we had goosebumps because we knew this was it and that it was going to be a huge hit and it would become a movement anthem.”
  (Jane Fonda, 22:52)

• Karen Nussbaum dissects the song’s political narrative, tracking its movement from pride to grievances, class conflict, and collective power—all in under four minutes (23:53–24:18).

5. The Song’s Enduring Political Power—and Dolly’s Boundaries

• “9 to 5” has become synonymous with women's labor rights, often used at political rallies—sometimes against Dolly’s wishes (Elizabeth Warren and Hillary Clinton campaign uses) (24:38–25:01).
• Dolly’s manager issued statements against political song approval, emphasizing, “We do not approve requests like this of a political nature.” (25:01)
• Jad questions the paradox: how can Dolly claim not to be political when her legacy is so tied to political messaging? (26:54)

6. Dolly’s Philosophy on Political Silence

• Sam Haskell and Dolly recount the tense 2017 Emmys “9 to 5” reunion, where Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin repurpose a classic line to jab at President Trump; Dolly refuses to participate in the political moment (28:53–30:10).
• Dolly explains her stance:

  “I have too many fans on both sides of the fence. Of course I have my opinion about everything, but I learned years ago to keep your mouth shut about things. I saw what happened to the Dixie Chicks...”
  (Dolly Parton, 30:13)

• Flashback to how the Dixie Chicks’ career was upended by a political comment, reinforcing Dolly’s logic (31:37–32:17).
• Dolly’s Emmys pivot: she uses a classic “boob joke” to defuse partisanship, steering the exchange to levity rather than politics (33:16–34:04).

7. Criticism and Compassion: Dolly's Approach

• Dolly is criticized by both sides after the Emmys: some for not taking a stand against Trump, others for implicitly condoning criticism by staying (34:31–35:12).
• Dolly’s approach:

  “No matter what you say, it’s wrong.”
  (Dolly Parton, 35:50)

• She admits her instinct, even in politically-charged rooms, is to respond with compassion, not division:

  “I wanted to say, let’s pray for the president… but I thought, no, keep your damn mouth shut. That won’t work either.”
  (Dolly Parton, 36:10)

8. The Ethos Behind the Silence

• Jad realizes Dolly’s refusal to take sides is both a business calculation and a spiritual stance—she refuses to “cast anybody out” (38:30–39:36).
• Jane Fonda reflects on Dolly’s position and the unique, reciprocal relationship Dolly has with her diverse audience (39:57–40:39).

9. Family Tension and the Limits of Neutrality

• Dolly’s sister, Stella Parton, voices disappointment at Dolly’s refusal to “speak out more” against injustice (42:26–42:51).
• Dolly defends her timing:

  “No, because I know that when the time comes, I will speak out. I have a great sense of timing, and that’s always worked in my favor… I know that my time will come, and hopefully when it does, I will say my peace.”
  (Dolly Parton, 43:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On managing expectations:
  “They’ve put me up on this pedestal. I hope they don’t knock me off of it.”
  (Dolly Parton, 08:56)
• On music and meaning:
  “Pour yourself a cup of ambition.”
  (Dolly Parton, 22:23)
• On navigating the Emmys:
  “When all else fails, be funny or try to be funny.”
  (Dolly Parton, 36:40)
• On her ethos:
  “She will not cast anybody out.”
  (Jad Abumrad, 38:30)
• On knowing when to speak:
  “I have a great sense of timing… hopefully when it does, I will say my peace.”
  (Dolly Parton, 43:36)

Key Timestamps

• Dolly's London energy & red carpet chaos: 01:23–06:19
• Origins of 9 to 5 activism: 09:38–14:12
• Making the movie “9 to 5”: 15:36–18:14
• Creating the anthem: 21:51–22:45
• Press conference difficulties and Emmys incident: 28:53–30:10
• Dixie Chicks controversy context: 31:37–32:17
• Dolly’s explanation of her public silence: 34:31–35:50, 36:10
• Jad’s reflection on Dolly’s ethos: 38:30–39:36
• Stella Parton’s critique & Dolly’s promise: 42:26–43:36

Episode Tone & Style

The episode masterfully mixes humor, candor, and reflection—mirroring Dolly’s own approach to life and controversy. Jad’s narration is warm and curious, always seeking to understand and illuminate, while Dolly's voice remains unmistakably frank, witty, and grounded throughout, often punctuated by self-deprecating laughter and quick-witted asides.

Conclusion

“Dollitics” deftly illustrates Dolly Parton’s distinctive and deeply personal strategy for surviving—and thriving—at America’s political crossroads. Rather than disengagement, her silence is a chosen form of unity, rooted in compassion, wisdom, and her own spiritual beliefs. Through the music of "9 to 5," her career choices, and her interactions with both friends and critics, Dolly Parton emerges as a nuanced figure who sees—and sings for—everyone, insisting on the fundamental dignity and belonging of all.