Dolly Parton’s Memorable Dancing With The Stars Appearance Is Being Remembered, As Fans Call For A Special Tribute

Nearly two decades after Dolly Parton brought her unmistakable energy to Dancing with the Stars, the country music icon’s memorable appearance is once again capturing attention.
The hit reality competition is preparing to return for its 35th season, with the new series set to premiere on September 15. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers, who compete in weekly performances in the hope of winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
The complete Season 35 cast was announced on September 2. Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro are set to return as hosts, alongside judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
During a recent appearance on Good Morning America to promote the upcoming season, the DWTS hosts and judges looked back at one of the show’s most memorable musical guests: Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” performance remains unforgettable
Parton made a special appearance during Season 20, performing her iconic hit “9 to 5” for the Dancing with the Stars audience.
Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke joined in for the performance, dancing alongside the country legend as she delivered the beloved song.
The appearance has since become a memorable moment in the show’s history, and footage of the performance has resurfaced following Parton’s death.
For fans who remember the performance, seeing Parton command the stage once again has offered a poignant reminder of the entertainer’s enduring influence.
Julianne Hough reflects on Dolly Parton’s legacy
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During the Good Morning America appearance, Julianne Hough recalled the experience of welcoming Parton to Dancing with the Stars as “incredible.”
Hough also reflected on the qualities that made Parton such a distinctive performer and connected those qualities with what she believes makes DWTS special.
“Authenticity is a word that gets thrown around so often. But with Dolly, specifically, she never censored herself; she was always true to who she was,” Hough said.
She added that the same principle is important to the dance competition, particularly when contestants are encouraged to connect with audiences and show a more personal side of themselves.
“That is what is so important about this show, too, is connecting and being real and honest and vulnerable,” she said.
Hough also remembered Parton’s ability to take her work seriously without taking herself too seriously.
Reflecting on the news of Parton’s death, she said: “She never took herself too seriously, but took what she did very seriously.”
For Hough, that combination of professionalism, authenticity and humor was an important part of Parton’s appeal.
Fans want a Dolly Parton tribute night
As footage of Parton’s Dancing with the Stars appearance continues to circulate online, fans have been sharing their own memories and calling for the show to dedicate a night to the country star during the upcoming season.
The response has been particularly strong among viewers who want to see the competition celebrate Parton’s music and legacy through dance.
Some fans took to the comments to make their wishes clear.
“There better be a Dolly Parton night this season!”
Another viewer wrote: “I hope DWTS has a Dolly night to honor her…”
A third fan added: “Praying they have a Dolly night this season 🙏🏼🦋”

Whether the show ultimately dedicates an entire night to Parton remains to be seen. For now, her unforgettable “9 to 5” performance continues to give longtime Dancing with the Stars viewers a reason to look back at one of the program’s most memorable musical moments.