Miley Cyrus Reflects on One of Her Last Conversations With Godmother Dolly Parton in Her Tribute

2 min read

THE RUNDOWN

• Miley Cyrus posted a tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton.
• She reflected on their relationship, noting that while her grief is raw, she knows Parton “would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong.”
• Cyrus has spoken in interviews over the years about what she learned from Parton.

Miley Cyrus’s life was profoundly shaped by her late godmother, Dolly Parton. Shortly after Parton’s family shared the news of her passing, Cyrus posted a tribute on Instagram, candidly reflecting on their bond.

“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” she began. “Our most sacred moments were private, and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.

“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong,” she continued. “I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. ????

“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family, and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together, and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things. ???? @dollyparton.”

During the press tour for the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special earlier this year, Cyrus spoke about what Parton, a recurring guest star on the Disney Channel show, taught her.

“I learned this terrible habit—but I actually think it was good advice—from Dolly,” Cyrus told Variety. “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a Hannah Montana 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”

“I think even Disney sometimes forgets the connection between me and Hannah,” she continued. “It’s not just a TV show. I see daily how important Hannah is to people. When I travel, people bring me ‘Hannah’ merch. They ask, ‘Are you ever going to do another season?’” She added that she sent Disney fan reactions as she shared the news, and the company ultimately agreed to do the special.

In a 2024 Harper’s Bazaar interview, Cyrus shed more light on Parton, discussing her inspiring approach to fame. “She lets everyone in and no one in at the same time,” Cyrus said. “Everyone feels like they know her, but they’re also okay with the fact that they don’t see her without makeup, without the full drag.”