Miley Cyrus has recently opened up about her deep admiration for the late Dolly Parton, reflecting on their profound relationship and the impact the iconic country singer had on her life and career. In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Cyrus recounted her final conversation with Parton, who passed away at the age of 80 on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer.
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During their last exchange, Cyrus shared details about her latest album, which she felt was particularly significant given their contrasting yet complementary artistic styles. “Even though we are so different, that’s what made us so perfect for each other,” Cyrus explained. She highlighted Parton’s duality as both an entertainer with a glamorous persona and a deeply authentic individual, stating, “There’s a part of her that’s just what I think everyone gravitates toward.”
Cyrus reflected on how her early career, especially during her time as Hannah Montana, was intertwined with her public persona. She noted how Parton’s guidance helped her navigate this duality, emphasising that maintaining a strong personal identity is essential, even while adopting an alter ego. “I think a way that I could look at that is, you can still have a persona and still be who you are, is because I had Dolly,” Cyrus said.
The singer also revealed her tendency to become emotional during performances, recounting a poignant moment when Parton witnessed her crying on stage. “I can’t help it,” Cyrus shared, recalling how Parton reacted to her heartfelt rendition of “End of the World” on a television show. Parton encouraged her to embrace these emotions, reminding her that music serves as a form of escapism for both the artist and the audience.
In another touching memory, Cyrus spoke about their collaboration during the NBC special “Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party” in 2023. Their performance of Parton’s classic “I Will Always Love You” left her in tears. “I think she knew at that time that the reason I was crying is the reason I cry now,” Cyrus reflected, acknowledging the generational wisdom imparted by Parton and her fellow artists and the inevitability of loss as they age.
Cyrus expressed that Parton had an uncanny ability to offer sound advice, evidence of which fueled Cyrus’s admiration for her. “Dolly was just always right about stuff,” she said, alluding to the life lessons and insights she received from Parton throughout their connection.
Following the announcement of Parton’s death, her nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news with fans, while a representative confirmed the circumstances surrounding her passing. The news reverberated across the entertainment world, leaving many to mourn the loss of one of country music’s greatest stars.
In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Cyrus described the depth of her loss, referring to Parton as her “Aunt Dolly.” She expressed that the sorrow she felt was too profound to articulate fully, noting that many of their most cherished memories were kept private, away from the public eye.
Cyrus concluded her heartfelt message by affirming that she would strive to honour Parton’s legacy through her own work. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong,” she wrote. She reassured her followers that she will always have a guardian angel in Parton, who inspired her creativity and resilience.
As she prepares for the release of her new album, “Bass Persuades,” on September 18, Cyrus remains committed to carrying forward the lessons learned from her beloved mentor. Her anticipation for this new project, intertwined with the memories of Parton, reflects the enduring influence that the country legend will continue to have on her music and life.