Julia Stiles made her highly anticipated debut on Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars with a quickstep performance. Partnering with professional dancer Ezra Sosa, the actress performed to Dolly Parton's legendary anthem "9 to 5" as a tribute to the late icon.

Dolly Parton's personal approval of the "9 to 5" tribute

The performance carried significant weight because Dolly Parton had personally sanctioned the song choice. As the report notes,the country legend approved the use of "9 to 5" for Stiles just weeks before her passing at age 80. This connection felt deeply personal to Stiles,who expressed her honor in dancing to the music of a powerhouse who remained true to herself.

The timing of the tribute follows the recent loss of Parton, who died on August 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. the singer had been receiving treatment at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, during her final year. Host Julianne Hough even noted the show's long history with the icon, mentioning that they had the chance to highlight her magic as far back as 2007.

An 18/30 score and a response to Andy Cohen

Stiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, earned a score of 18/30 from the judging panel. Despite the score, the performance was met with high praise for its grace and emotional depth. host Julianne Hough remarked on the importance of Parton's authenticity, noting that the icon never censored herself and was always "true to who she was."

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The actress also used the platform to address a playful rivalry with TV personality Andy Cohen. After Cohen joked that Parton wasn't a great dancer during a 2025 episode, Stiles expressed her intention to win the Mirrorball trophy and confront him on his own couch . Judge Derek Hough even chimed in, jokingly telling Cohen to "eat it" in response to the jab.

The Season 35 exit of Sarah Jane Nader and remaining competition questions

The debut occurred during a high-stakes season that has already seen its first departure. Reality star Sarah Jane Nader and her partner Hailey Bills became the first contestants sent home in Season 35. Other notable participants in this season include Connor Wood and Harry Shum Jr.

While the tribute was a standout moment, several questions remain regarding the trajectory of the competition. it is currently unclear how the judges will balance emotional tributes with technical precision in upcoming weeks, especially given the high bar set by this performance. Additionally, the report does not specify if the loss of a major icon like Parton will influence the show's musical selections for the remainder of the season.

The cultural impact of Parton's authenticity on the DWTS stage

The tribute highlighted a recurring theme in the lives of female icons: the power of being unapologetically oneself. Julianne Hough noted that while "authenticity" is a buzzword, Parton embodied it by being vulnerable and honest. This sentiment resonated with viewers as the show navigated the loss of a legend who had recently been a subject of both admiration and lighthearted ribbing in the media.