Miley Cyrus has paid an emotional tribute to her late godmother, the legendary Dolly Parton, following the news of Parton’s passing on August 25 at the age of 80. Taking to Instagram, Cyrus expressed her deep sorrow and reflected on the significant impact Parton had on her life.
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In her heartfelt post, Cyrus began, “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.” This poignant sentiment encapsulated the unique bond they shared, forged through years of intimate conversations and creative collaborations.
Cyrus, now 33, stated that one of their last discussions revolved around music and transformation. She credited Parton’s influence, declaring, “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have.” She affirmed her unwavering love for Parton and her desire to make her proud, expressing her grief over the immense loss felt not only by her but also by the world, family, and friends of the beloved artist.
Accompanying her emotional message, Cyrus shared a touching black-and-white photograph of Parton. Their connection dates back to Cyrus’s birth in 1992 when Parton was chosen as her godmother by Cyrus’s parents, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus. Their familial bond blossomed during the 1990s when Billy Ray and Parton formed a close friendship while touring together.
In a previous interview, Parton reminisced about the moment she was asked to become Miley’s godmother, saying, “He said… ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said, ‘Well, I’d be honoured.’” Their relationship deepened over the years, with Parton affectionately referring to Miley as her “little sweetheart.”
The pair also collaborated on several projects throughout their careers, most notably when Parton guest-starred as a fairy godmother in Cyrus’s Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana.” Parton appeared in three episodes spanning from 2006 to 2010. Their musical partnership continued with a recent collaboration on Parton’s final album, “Rockstar,” where they reinterpreted Cyrus’s 2013 hit, “Wrecking Ball.”
Cyrus has often highlighted the lessons she learned from Parton, particularly regarding kindness and respect. In a 2017 interview with Cosmopolitan, she noted that the best part of having Parton in her life was “watching the way she treats people with love and respect.” Parton’s unwavering support extended to Cyrus’s journey as an artist. In a 2014 interview, Parton defended Cyrus against criticism for her bold choices, stating, “I don’t give her advice. Everyone has to walk this journey according to their own rules. That’s what she’s doing. And I lurve her.”
Beyond their personal connection, Cyrus and Parton were also partners in philanthropy. In January, they collaborated for a charity single that reimagined Parton’s classic hit, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” alongside artists Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.
In the wake of Parton’s death, Cyrus’s tribute resonates not just as a personal farewell but as a celebration of the profound impact Parton had on countless lives. The world has lost a musical icon, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on through the memories and tributes shared by those fortunate enough to have known her.
As the music industry mourns the loss of Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus’s heartfelt words remind us all of the power of love, connection, and the enduring influence of a truly remarkable figure. Miley concluded her message with a poignant call for unity in grief: “We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.” The chorus of voices celebrating Parton is a testament to her lasting impact, underscoring the shared sense of loss felt by many.