Jen Aniston Finds Dolly Parton’s Health Issues ‘Distressing’ While Holding Out Hope for ‘9 to 5’ Remake

Jennifer Aniston is worried about Dolly Parton.

The country icon has been candid about her ongoing health struggles, which forced her to postpone and ultimately cancel her Las Vegas residency while she undergoes treatment for immune and digestive system issues.

As Globe previously reported, the singer has been leaning on her friends. And according to a source, Aniston, 57, is among the many Hollywood figures watching Parton’s recovery with both concern and admiration.

“The situation with Dolly is distressing for Jen, especially since she just lost one of her all-time role models in Diane Keaton only a matter of months ago,” the source tells Globe. Keaton passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79 from bacterial pneumonia. “But Jen has just as much affection for Dolly and she truly is one of her artistic idols,” adds the source.

The emotional weight is compounded by professional stakes. Aniston has been spearheading a remake of the 1980 classic 9 to 5 through her Echo Films banner at 20th Century Studios, with Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody penning the script. As reported by Just Jared, Aniston, 57, appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show last September and confirmed Parton, 80, has been involved with the project creatively.

Still, the film hasn’t received a green light from Disney, and per the source, Aniston “badly wanted Dolly’s open support of the project, which has a cool script but has not yet achieved a green light.”

Parton herself told HuffPost in May 2025 that while she has “no plans to be in that,” she offered Aniston the use of her iconic title song and volunteered to contribute new music.

“Jen is at the age where she has had to harden herself for people she loves and admires struggling with their health, but none of this is easy for her,” says Globe‘s source. “She’s sending her love and her best wishes to Dolly but she wishes she could do more.”

According to Globe‘s source, Aniston also takes comfort knowing she isn’t alone in her concern for the Hollywood legend. “Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus feel exactly the same way about Dolly, and Jen knows it!” the source says.

Hathaway, 43, has previously explored the possibility of a Dolly-inspired tribute film, while Cyrus, 33, has publicly honored Parton on numerous occasions, including a collaborative birthday tribute in January 2026.

“It’s going to be a tough, spiritually challenging time to be a super-fan until Dolly finally gets back on stage again,” adds the source.