Night Two of the Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premiere delivered an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton, along with a heartbreaking elimination that left fans talking.
The new season launched with a special two-night premiere. While the first night featured the male celebrities performing with their professional partners, Night Two brought another round of memorable performances—including a touching tribute to the late country music icon.
One of the evening’s standout dances came from actress Julia Stiles and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, who performed a stunning Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s beloved classic “9 to 5.”
Originally written and recorded by Parton in 1980, “9 to 5” became the title song for the hit film and later television series. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1981 and remains one of Parton’s most recognizable recordings.
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa Pay Tribute to Dolly
After their performance, Stiles and Sosa opened up about the emotional meaning behind their routine.
Sosa explained that learning of Dolly’s passing changed the intention behind their performance. The pair wanted to incorporate subtle references to Parton while celebrating the joy and legacy she left behind.
Stiles also revealed that they specifically discussed including a nod to Dolly’s famous fingernails—a playful detail that longtime fans immediately recognized.
For Stiles, the performance was ultimately about carrying forward Dolly’s ability to bring happiness to others.
During another interview, Stiles shared that she thought about Dolly whenever she felt nervous or uncertain during rehearsals. Remembering Parton helped her find confidence and stay focused.
The Judges Loved the Performance
The judges were equally impressed by the emotional routine, praising Stiles and Sosa for delivering a performance that was both elegant and graceful.
Derek Hough told Stiles she was “absolutely beaming” and described the dance as beautiful and fantastic.
The heartfelt performance earned Stiles and Sosa enough support to move forward into the next week of competition, giving them another chance to honor Dolly’s legacy through dance.