Billy Ray Cyrus was likely celebrating his birthday when he learned of the passing of his longtime friend and godmother to his daughter Miley, Dolly Parton, on Tuesday, August 25.
The “Hannah Montana” star shared a heartfelt tribute to the late country music singer.
Billy Ray Remembers Dolly
The “Achey Breaky Heart” artist shared a slew of photos of himself with Parton over their decades-long friendship. Alongside the images, he mourned the loss.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” Cyrus wrote. “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. 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. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!'”
Billy Ray continued, “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”
Dolly Parton Passing
The family of Dolly Parton announced her passing after a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, August 25. She was admitted to the hospital the Friday before her death and passed peacefully on Tuesday.
“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next. This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Dolly’s nephew shared in a video message to fans. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
He continued, “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly. But so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone’s playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.”
Dolly was beloved by many for her cheerful spirit, kind heart and killer vocals.
“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” Seaver continued. “Dolly was a farmer just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton. And may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Dolly was 80 years old at the time of her death.
