Fans of the show knew that a Dolly Parton cameo was coming because the streamer had promised to bring the country star. But it was still unclear when and how she’d appear. So it was a great surprise for the fans to see her appear in the finale episodes of Grace and Frankie. Moreover, it was a happy reunion with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The creators of the show, Howard J.Morris, and Marta Kauffman reveal the countless scheduling conflicts they had to battle to bring on the icon.

Why didn’t Dolly Parton make an appearance earlier on the series?

The creators first prioritized establishing the characters. They wanted the viewers first to know them and their story before moving forward with a guest star. There were plans to make a Dolly Parton cameo but unfortunately, scheduling conflicts kept the star away. They had even written a character for her, but that didn’t work out. 

“And then it took us four more seasons to make it work. The timing was wrong. The schedule was wrong. She was busy. We couldn’t shoot when she was available. I mean, it was years of going through this”, said Marta.

Finally, they read an interview of Dolly, where she expressed her desire to act in the show. As if it was a sign from the universe, both Morris and Marta jumped at the chance. And it finally happened. Dolly appeared in the seventh season of Grace and Frankie. 

“It also depended on where the show was because, at the end of the show, it’s a much different Dolly cameo than it would be in year four,” Morris explained.

Dolly plays an angel in the finale of Grace and Frankie

Dolly plays a middle management angel in heaven in her cameo appearance. With no promotion for 250 years, she is dissatisfied with her job. Her appearance is a homage to her role as Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5. All three ladies appeared in the movie where they played disgruntled clerical workers.