Miley Cyrus Credits Dolly Parton for Inspiring Grammy Performance
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Miley Cyrus recently revealed that her performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards was made possible through the encouragement of her late godmother, Dolly Parton. In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the pop superstar recounted how Parton’s unwavering support helped her overcome her initial reluctance to take to the stage.
Cyrus, who garnered two Grammy Awards for her latest hit “Flowers,” discussed the personal struggles she faced leading up to the prestigious event. She mentioned a previous anxiety attack while performing in Mexico in 2022, which left her feeling apprehensive about returning to the stage at such a high-profile occasion. Despite her fears, it was Parton who pushed her to embrace her artistry and step out of her comfort zone.
“Dolly just has this way of knowing what you need to hear,” Cyrus explained. She shared a vivid memory of Parton, metaphorically “trapping” her in a car until she agreed to perform. “She said, ‘You need to just fake it,’” Cyrus recalled, highlighting Parton’s straightforward yet motivational approach to her fears. “I was scared and kept bringing up Mexico, but she insisted we move on.”
At the Grammy Awards, Cyrus embraced a glamorous look reminiscent of Tina Turner, donned in a stunning Bob Mackie dress, also thanks to Parton’s influence. “I would have never worn Bob Mackie if it wasn’t for Dolly,” she confessed. The performance marked a significant moment in Cyrus’s career as she clinched both Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year for her acclaimed single.
Adding another layer to her story, Cyrus reflected on the important conversations she has had with Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live. The two maintain a tradition of reflecting together during the festive season, and he reassured her of her strengths as an artist. Michaels advised her, “Everybody has six months to feel sorry for themselves; it’s Christmas. We’re getting back on the horse,” encouraging her to seize the opportunity the Grammy performance presented.
Following her chat with Michaels, Cyrus met with Parton, who subsequently insisted on driving her to ensure she could not back out of the Grammy performance. During this car ride, Parton reiterated her belief in Cyrus’s capacity to shine. “You need to step into your Hannah Montana side, your Dolly Parton side,” she told the singer, reinforcing the idea that embracing her persona could help alleviate her anxiety.
In the wake of Parton’s passing in August 2023, Cyrus reflected on the profound impact her mentor had on her life. The legendary country singer, who lost her life at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, left an indelible mark on those around her, including Cyrus. The pop star revealed that her last conversation with Parton centred on her then-upcoming album, “Bass Persuades,” which was released shortly after the Grammy ceremony.
Cyrus spoke fondly about the unique bond she shared with Parton, noting that despite their differences, their connection made them a perfect fit for each other. “She understood me and where I was coming from,” Cyrus shared, expressing her gratitude for the lessons learned from her mentorship.
Now looking ahead, Cyrus is not only celebrating her Grammy wins but also the release of her latest album. The emotional weight of her experiences, coupled with the legacy of her late godmother, continues to shape her artistic journey. As Cyrus moves forward, she carries with her the lessons imparted by Parton, illuminating the influence of mentorship and the power of resilience in the face of fear.