We are given:
\[
I = \int_1^9 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x}}
\]
This can be written as:
\[
I = \int_1^9 x^{-\frac{1}{2}} \, dx
\]
Using the power rule:
\[
I = \left[ 2x^{\frac{1}{2}} \right]_1^9 = 2(9^{\frac{1}{2}}) - 2(1^{\frac{1}{2}}) = 2(3) - 2(1) = 6 - 2 = 8
\]
Thus, the correct answer is \( 8 \).