Billy Ray Cyrus has shared a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, following her passing on August 25 at the age of 80. In his Instagram post on September 25, Cyrus unveiled a cherished letter from Parton dated 1992, which highlights the deep bond formed between the two country music icons during the early days of his career.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/billy-ray-cyrus-dolly-parton-092526-1-50a16d3544e740ca8f84b52ca855b32d.jpg)
The relationship between Cyrus and Parton blossomed in the early 1990s, a time when Cyrus was beginning to gain notoriety for his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart.” Parton expressed her pride in him through a personal letter, stating, “Billy, I’m glad to be working with you. I’ve been looking forward to it for a few weeks now. I’m proud of what’s going on with you.” Her words resonated with Cyrus, who has maintained that this letter is one of his most prized possessions, alongside a similar note from Johnny Cash.
Parton’s letter captures her warm personality as she reflected on their first meeting. “I’m sorry I stammered and blushed when I met you but I’m just like all the other girls these days (just a little older),” she wrote. She also expressed gratitude for Cyrus signing photographs for her nieces. This heartfelt correspondence vividly illustrates the genuine affinity they shared, both personally and professionally.
In the accompanying Instagram post, Cyrus expressed deep admiration for Parton, stating that the letters from both her and Cash serve as lasting reminders of their influence on his life. “They are the hearts and minds of two of my heroes that both took the time to express their most personal and sincere thoughts to an ole Kentucky Boy,” he reflected. Cyrus recalled meeting Parton in Chicago shortly after his breakthrough; their collaboration soon followed with a performance of “Romeo” alongside other renowned artists.
Throughout his tribute, Cyrus reminisced about the multitude of experiences he shared with Parton, from their early tours to various television specials and projects over the years. He fondly recalled their last collaboration, a Christmas song titled “Christmas Where We Are,” which they recorded over three decades after the initial stages of their friendship. He underscored how integral Parton was to his life, stating, “I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start.”
Cyrus also recounted a particular moment when tabloid reports suggested an affair between them. In a light-hearted reflection, he shared how he ventured into Parton’s dressing room to address the sensational claims, only to be met with her characteristic humour. With a wink, she famously dismissed the rumours, suggesting, “Honey, this trash sells records!”
The bond between Cyrus and Parton extended beyond professional collaboration; it also included personal connections. Following the birth of his daughter, Miley, in 1992, Cyrus asked Parton to become her godmother—a request she gratefully accepted. This gesture further solidified their friendship and showcased the depth of their relationship.
Cyrus concluded his heartfelt message by noting that, despite Parton’s passing, her love and support had remained with him. He shared that Parton had sent him a touching note just prior to her death, expressing her affection for him. “I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will,” he said, emphasising the lasting impact she had on his life.
Dolly Parton’s legacy in country music is immense, marked by her talent, wit, and kindness. Billy Ray Cyrus’s tribute serves as a reminder of the profound connections formed in the music industry, and how the personal can intertwine beautifully with the professional. As fans and colleagues continue to celebrate her life, Cyrus’s reflections offer insight into the warmth and joy that Parton brought to those around her.