Miley Cyrus Honors Late Godmother Dolly Parton in Emotional Tribute

Miley Cyrus is addressing long-standing public misconceptions surrounding her late godmother Dolly Parton, explaining that the country music icon’s larger-than-life persona was a deliberate artistic image rather than her true reality. Parton died peacefully at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, according to a statement shared by her nephew and reported by outlets including Today.com. Following the legend’s passing, Cyrus opened up about the private woman behind the glittering stage costumes and media fame.

According to reporting from Hola.com and Today.com, Cyrus shared an emotional farewell message on Instagram on August 26, 2026, reflecting on their decades-long bond. For millions of fans worldwide, Parton was celebrated for her catalog of hit songs, her iconic fashion choices, and her extensive philanthropic efforts. But for Cyrus, the relationship was deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong mentorship where Parton served as both a fairy godmother and a maternal figure.

A Private Bond Behind the Glamour

In her public tribute, Cyrus protected the boundaries of their private connection while offering a glimpse into their final conversations. 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, Cyrus wrote on social media, as cited by Hola.com and Today.com.

Cyrus noted that one of their final conversations together centered on music and metamorphosis, themes that defined Parton’s enduring career. 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, Cyrus stated in her post.

Decades of Mentorship and Shared History

The unique relationship between the two artists began even before Cyrus was born in November 1992. Billy Ray Cyrus became close friends with Parton during the early 1990s as his own country music career surged with the hit single Achy Breaky Heart. When his daughter was born, Billy Ray asked Parton to take on the role of godmother.

Parton recounted the origin of the arrangement during a 2023 interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, noting that their bond grew naturally because Billy Ray hailed from Kentucky and she grew up in Tennessee. Over the years, the relationship expanded beyond a mere honorary title. Cyrus frequently described Parton as a mother figure, highlighting a faxed Mother’s Day note she received from Parton that read, How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach, as reported by W Magazine.

Collaborations Across Generations

The artistic partnership between Cyrus and Parton also translated to the screen and stage. Parton famously appeared on three episodes of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, playing an on-screen version of her godmother persona to Cyrus’s character, Miley Stewart.

The pair also performed together publicly, including a memorable collaboration on Parton’s 1973 classic Jolene alongside Pentatonix on The Voice in 2016. When Parton was named one of Time’s Most Influential People of 2021, Cyrus authored a tribute emphasizing that the music icon was even better than your sparkliest dreams. Cyrus concluded her farewell message by vowing to honor her godmother’s memory through her continued work and artistry.