Julia Stiles’ first appearance on Dancing with the Stars carried an unexpectedly personal connection to Dolly Parton.

On the second night of the Season 35 premiere on Sept. 16, Stiles and professional partner Ezra Sosa performed a quickstep to Parton’s iconic 1981 hit “9 to 5.” During the broadcast, the actress revealed that Parton herself had approved her use of the song just weeks before the country music legend died at age 80 on Aug. 25.

“It was only a couple weeks before Dolly passed that she approved this song specifically for me,” Stiles, 45, said in her rehearsal package. “I’m so honored to be dancing to her music and honoring her legacy, and I want to make her proud.”

The performance earned a standing ovation from the ballroom audience and gave Stiles a chance to pay tribute to an artist she has long admired.

A Song Dolly Personally Approved

“9 to 5” was Stiles’ first choice for her DWTS debut, even though she initially had no idea whether she would be able to use it.

Speaking with co-host Julianne Hough after the performance, Stiles explained that the song was the first one she and the producers discussed.

“I wanted it so badly,” she said. “We didn’t know what was gonna happen. She cleared it, and I just feel so honored, like, to honor Dolly.”

Stiles went on to describe Parton as “such a powerhouse” and called “9 to 5” an anthem.

“Yeah, what a legend,” she added.

The moment took on additional significance following Parton’s death in August.

Why Stiles Chose “9 to 5”

The song had already held a special connection for Stiles before she learned Parton had approved it.

During an appearance on the Dancing with the Stars podcast hosted by Season 34 alum Andy Richter on Sept. 10, Stiles explained that “9 to 5” was a No. 1 hit in 1981 — the same year she was born.

“I lucked out because I get to dance to ‘9 to 5’ by Dolly Parton,” she said at the time, noting that it was the first song producers suggested for her.

Stiles also said then that the song had been selected before anyone knew Parton would die.

“We had no idea,” she said. “And now I’m just, like, so honored to dance to her music.”

Calling Parton a “legend,” Stiles added that whenever she felt nervous or struggled with self-doubt, she thought of Dolly.

“She was just epic. I feel so, so honored,” she said.

Stiles Steps Into the Ballroom

For her debut, Stiles brought a theatrical quality to the quickstep alongside Sosa.

The routine earned three 6s from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, giving the pair a total of 18 out of 30.

Hough praised Stiles as “beautiful” and “graceful,” while encouraging her to let go a little more and move through the ballroom with greater energy.

Tonioli highlighted her ability to combine her acting experience with dance, telling Stiles, “You’re a great actor and a great dancer.”

Inaba similarly praised the routine as “really clean” and described Stiles as “very radiant.”

The actress was clearly thrilled to finally experience the show from inside the ballroom after years of watching it as a fan.

“Oh my God, it’s so exhilarating,” she said following the performance. “I am a super fan, and this guy has pulled me out of my shell in, like, the most amazing way.”

Sosa, meanwhile, joked that it took him “two to three business days” to get over the fact that he had been paired with Stiles.

Derek Hough’s Message to Andy Cohen

Stiles’ debut also carried another layer of attention because of comments previously made about her dancing.

Andy Cohen had joked about Stiles’ dance abilities during his SiriusXM show Andy Cohen Live, questioning whether she was “the greatest dancer on the planet” in reference to her performance in the 2001 film Save the Last Dance.

Kerry Washington, Stiles’ costar in the movie, subsequently defended her, questioning why people were so determined to criticize the actress’ dancing.

After Stiles’ DWTS performance, Hough appeared to have Cohen’s earlier comments in mind.

“Andy Cohen, you can eat it,” Hough said before continuing his feedback for Stiles.

The exchange added a playful moment to an otherwise meaningful debut centered on Parton’s music.

A Tribute That Became More Meaningful

Stiles entered the Dancing with the Stars ballroom hoping to perform one of Parton’s most recognizable songs. But by the time she took the floor, the circumstances surrounding the performance had changed dramatically.

Parton had personally approved the song only weeks before her death, making Stiles’ quickstep an unexpected tribute to a performer she deeply admired.

For Stiles, the opportunity was about more than simply choosing a recognizable No. 1 hit from the year she was born. It became a chance to honor Parton through the song she had hoped to perform all along.

“I want to make her proud,” Stiles said.

And with Parton’s approval preserved in the story behind the performance, “9 to 5” became a particularly meaningful choice for Stiles’ first night in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom.