‘American Idol’ Winner Hannah Harper Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton With Live ‘9 to 5’ Cover
Hannah Harper has found a meaningful way to honor one of country music’s most influential figures. The latest American Idol winner recently took the stage at Dollywood in Tennessee to perform Dolly Parton’s beloved hit “9 to 5,” giving fans a special moment at the theme park inspired by the country legend.
Now, Harper is sharing that performance with an even wider audience. After announcing plans to release the recording following her appearance, the singer has officially released “9 to 5 (Live From Dollywood)” as a single.
For Harper, performing the song in a place so closely associated with Parton made the experience particularly memorable.
“What an honor it was to stand on a stage at Dollywood and pay tribute to a woman who has paved the way for so many of us in country music,” Harper said following the release.
“Dolly has always been living proof that you can hold tight to your roots and still dream bigger than the mountains you came from.”
She also explained why choosing “9 to 5” made the occasion even more special, pointing to the song’s ability to bring people together.
“Getting to sing ‘9 to 5’ in a place so special to her was just the icing on the cake!” she continued. “It’s one of those songs that everybody knows, and I don’t care who you are, when that music starts playing, you can’t help but smile and sing along!”
Luke Bryan Previously Compared Harper’s Voice to Dolly Parton
Harper’s decision to perform a Parton classic feels especially fitting given the praise she received during her American Idol journey.
Judge Luke Bryan previously drew a comparison between Harper’s voice and Parton’s after the contestant performed Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”
“Gosh. There are so many parallels with your voice and Dolly. It’s just so beautifully country,” Bryan said at the time. “Your voice is so beautiful to me.”
The comparison highlighted the country qualities in Harper’s singing, making her tribute to Parton at Dollywood a particularly fitting choice.
Harper Reflects on Her Dollywood Experience
Harper’s visit to Dollywood meant more to her than simply performing onstage. After spending two days at the Tennessee attraction, she shared her excitement in a lengthy Instagram post, describing the experience as one she thoroughly enjoyed.
“Two days at Dollywood and goodness, did we have the BEST time,” she wrote.
Although Harper did not get the opportunity to meet Parton during the visit, she said the singer’s influence was evident throughout the park.
“Dollywood truly is such a delight. And while I didn’t get to meet Dolly, her story is woven into every corner of the park from the music and memories to the way she celebrates her roots and the people and place that made her who she is.”
Harper also gave fans a glimpse of some of the places associated with Parton, sharing photographs of herself in the country star’s dressing room and aboard her tour bus.
“Miss Dolly’s dressing room and her ’94 Prevost,” she captioned the photos. “If walls could talk.”
The singer later returned to Instagram to reflect on the significance of her performance, once again emphasizing how much Parton has contributed to country music and inspired aspiring artists.
Her tribute carried a personal message about following ambitious dreams without losing sight of where you came from, echoing the values Harper admires in Parton.
‘9 to 5 (Live From Dollywood)’ Is Now Available
Following the release of her live recording, Harper marked the occasion with another Instagram post, describing the performance as a full-circle moment.
“Getting to sing this iconic song, at @dollywood of all places, was such a full-circle moment!” she wrote.
“Dolly has inspired so many of us girls with big dreams, and it means the world to me to put my own little spin on one of her classics.”
With “9 to 5 (Live From Dollywood)” now officially released, Harper has preserved a special moment from her visit while paying tribute to an artist whose influence continues to reach across generations of country performers.
For a singer whose voice once prompted a comparison to Parton on American Idol, performing one of the legend’s best-known songs at Dollywood offered a fitting opportunity to celebrate the woman who helped pave the way for so many artists who followed.