Miley Cyrus has honored her godmother Dolly Parton with a heartfelt tribute following the singer’s death at 80. Cyrus shared the emotional message on Wednesday, as she remembered their private bond and one of their final conversations.
In an Instagram post, she wrote, “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.”
The 33-year-old singer added, “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. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”
What else did Miley Cyrus say about Dolly Parton in her tribute post?
Cyrus ended her message by sharing her love for Parton and acknowledging those mourning her. She said, “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.”
Parton died on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer. Her death has prompted tributes from fans and fellow musicians.
Parton became Cyrus’ godmother through her friendship with Billy Ray Cyrus. During a 2023 interview with Howard Stern, Parton recalled how Billy Ray asked her to take the role. At that time, she said, “We just got to be good friends because he’s a Kentucky boy, I’m from Tennessee. nd he said … ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said, ‘Well, I’d be honored.’ So actually, Miley and I took over from there.”
Their relationship also appeared on television through Hannah Montana. Parton played Aunt Dolly in three episodes of the Disney Channel series. Cyrus and Parton later performed “Jolene” with Pentatonix on The Voice in 2016. The song was originally released by Parton in 1973.
Cyrus previously paid tribute to Parton in 2021 after Time named the country singer one of its Most Influential People. Their connection continued across family, television, and music.
