American Idol winner Hannah Harper is winning over Dolly Parton fans with her new live cover of the country legend’s hit song 9 to 5, recorded at Dollywood. The performance has drawn praise from listeners, with some saying Harper captured Parton’s signature sound.
Harper, 26, did not get the chance to meet Parton before the singer died on August 25. However, she visited Parton’s dressing room at Dollywood before performing the song in early October.
“What an honor to stand in the space of a woman who paved the way for so many of us dreamers,” Harper wrote on Instagram.
On October 23, 19 Recordings released Harper’s 9 to 5 (Live From Dollywood) as a new single. Its music video includes footage from her visit to the Tennessee theme park, which Parton opened in 1986.
Parton originally recorded 9 to 5 for her 1980 comedy film of the same name, starring alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Released in 1981, the song became her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 28 weeks on the chart and reaching the top spot for two weeks. Her 1983 duet with Kenny Rogers, Islands in the Stream, was her only other single to reach No. 1 on the chart.
Harper’s new version has received enthusiastic reactions across social media. Fans have praised her vocals and the way she honored Parton’s original recording.
“I really hope Dolly got to see her. Out of all the artists to perform Dolly’s songs she has it down,” one YouTube commenter wrote.
Another fan praised Harper’s look and performance, writing on Instagram, “Runnin’ to download! From the dress to the song Dolly would be so proud!”
One listener who said they had always held high standards for covers of 9 to 5 added, “You absolutely killed this! SO GOOD.”
Watch the video below
Dollywood’s official social media team also showed its support, commenting, “This will be on repeat for us all day. Congratulations Hannah Harper!”
Harper’s journey to country music success began long before her American Idol win in May 2026. Raised in southern Missouri, she grew up performing with her family’s traveling bluegrass band. Before joining the show, she was a stay-at-home mother to three young boys with her husband of eight years, Devon Mendenhall.
As Harper advanced through American Idol with consistently strong performances, Mendenhall left his law enforcement job to care for their children. The family now travels together while Harper pursues her music career.
She has already begun opening for major country artists, including Brad Paisley and Lauren Alaina. In June, Harper also made her Grand Ole Opry debut alongside American Idol judge and former winner Carrie Underwood.
With her Dollywood performance now reaching more listeners, Harper is paying tribute to one of country music’s most influential stars while building a career of her own.
