Dolly Parton delivers an Oscars performance that will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in awards show history. ML
At this year’s Oscars, the show is breaking tradition and the nominees for best original song will not perform live. Instead, the 97th annual Academy Awards will showcase performances by Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, plus Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye. While we’re sure this will make for an entertaining evening, we’re going to take the opportunity throw it back to one of the best Oscars performances of all time, and we have Dolly Parton to thank (of course!).
Dolly Parton at the 53rd Annual Academy Awards on March 31, 1981
It’s hard to believe that Dolly has never won an Oscar, but the 79-year-old icon has been nominated twice for best original song: in 1981 for “9 to 5” and again in 2006 for “Travelin’ Thru” from Transamerica. Both times, Dolly took the stage to perform her hit live.
It the 53rd annual ceremony, “9 to 5” was nominated for best original song along with “Fame” and “Out Here on My Own” from the movie Fame, Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” from Honeysuckle Rose, and “People Alone” from The Competition. “Fame” ended up winning the category.
Dolly Parton performing ’9 to 5’ at the 53rd annual Academy Awards
Dolly brought the house down with her performance in 1981. After being introduced by Johnny Carson, she took the stage wearing a black gown covered in sequins and was surrounded by male backup dancers as she belted out the bop.
9 to 5 was Dolly’s first acting role, and the title song, which she wrote on set, ended up being her first number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While the song didn’t earn the Oscar, it did win Dolly two Grammys: for Best Country Performance, Female, and Best Country Song.
