Country singer Maren Morris recently shared the surprising moment she realized one of her songs sounded very similar to Dolly Parton’s famous hit “9 to 5.”
During an interview on the “Zach Sang Show” on May 15, Morris said this happened just weeks before her second album was about to be released. Her mother was the one who noticed the resemblance.
“There’s a song on my second record called ‘All My Favorite People,’” Morris explained. “It was about two weeks before the album came out when my mom said, ‘I kind of noticed the verse and melody sound a little like 9 to 5.’”
Maren Morris, known for her hit “The Middle,” said she immediately reached out to Dolly Parton’s team. She admitted the similarities between her 2019 song and Parton’s classic 1980 track.
“I told her, ‘I’m so sorry. This was an honest mistake. I would love to give you a percentage of the writing credit because I would never do this on purpose,’” Morris recalled. “But it does sound close.”
Dolly Parton’s Kind Response
True to her generous nature, Dolly Parton responded with kindness.
“‘Oh my gosh honey, you’re all good,’” Morris said Parton told her. The “Jolene” singer did not want any writing credit or payment.
Morris shared that she has always feared accidentally copying another song.
“I think that’s any songwriter’s worst fear — accidentally writing a melody that already exists. It happens more than people think,” she said.
Maren Morris and Dolly Parton’s Grammy Connection
Morris and Parton shared a special moment at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Parton was honored by other artists, and Morris performed a part of “After the Gold Rush” alongside Parton and Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, according to People magazine.
Other stars like Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, and Little Big Town also joined the tribute.
Morris expressed her excitement about being part of the event on social media, calling it a “DOLLY dream come true.”
Before the performance, Morris told E! News how much she admires Parton’s influence in music.
“She’s been a businesswoman, a songwriter, and a strong woman in a male-dominated industry,” Morris said. “She paved the way for women like me and other artists who are maybe a little different. I love her so much!”
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