Miley Cyrus just broke her silence after the passing of country icon Dolly Parton.
In a Wednesday, Aug. 26 post she shared what her godmother meant to her.
“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,” she began.
Cyrus 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.”
Cyrus noted how her heart is breaking over the news.
“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,” she concluded.
Cyrus and Parton shared a close bond that extended beyond music. Parton was Cyrus’ godmother, and the two worked together on several occasions throughout Cyrus’ career.
Cyrus Recently Talked About Parton
In a March interview with Variety, Cyrus reflected on some of the advice she received from Parton, including a lesson about promoting an idea before it comes to life.
“I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly. She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no,” Cyrus said.
Parton’s influence on Cyrus was evident throughout the younger singer’s career. The pair performed together and collaborated on music, while Cyrus frequently spoke about her admiration for her godmother.
Cyrus also appeared alongside Parton on the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” where Parton played her character’s godmother, Aunt Dolly.
Billy Ray Shared a Sweet Post
Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from celebrities who knew her personally and artists who were influenced by her work.
Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus, shared his own memories of Parton in a heartfelt Instagram post following her passing.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote.
Billy Ray recalled a memorable encounter with Parton in 1992, when he visited her dressing room to address tabloid reports claiming the two were having an affair.
“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her,” he wrote.
According to Billy Ray, Parton responded with the humor that became one of her trademarks.
“In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’”
Billy Ray also revealed that Parton recently sent him a personal message expressing her love.
“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he wrote. “I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Cyrus’ eventual words about Parton are expected to reflect a relationship that was both deeply personal and professionally influential.
