A Personal Farewell
Miley Cyrus has posted a touching message for her godmother, Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday at 80 following a short fight with cancer and other health problems. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Cyrus said the loss feels too immense to put into words, but she wants to turn her sorrow into songwriting. She mentioned that one of their final talks centered on music and transformation.[S1][S2]
Cyrus, known for hits like "Flowers" and for her role in "Hannah Montana," recalled that their most sacred moments were private and would remain behind the stage and beneath the glamour. She affirmed that she has an angel by her side, and that she always has. The singer also said she will always love Parton and wants to make her proud, acknowledging the shared loss felt by the world, family, and friends.[S1][S2]
A Bond Forged in Music and Family
Parton had a deep impact on Cyrus's life. Before Cyrus was born, her father Billy Ray Cyrus asked Parton to serve as her godmother. Their connection grew when Parton appeared on "Hannah Montana" as "Aunt Dolly" to Cyrus's character. Even as Cyrus became a controversial pop figure, Parton stayed supportive and spoke up for her in public.[S2]
The pair shared the stage at the 61st Grammy Awards in 2019 and during Cyrus's 2022 New Year's Eve Party special on NBC. They also collaborated on the Disney Channel series. Billy Ray Cyrus was among the many artists paying tribute, along with Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, Blake Shelton, and Maren Morris.[S1]
Beyoncé and a Legacy of Giving
Beyoncé, who featured Parton on her country album "Cowboy Carter" and covered "Jolene," also honored Parton on her website. She praised Parton for teaching lessons on being uniquely oneself and expressed gratitude for her art, heart, generosity, humor, and entrepreneurship. Beyoncé said she was honored to have worked with Parton and will treasure that forever.[S1]
For many years, Parton gave books to millions of children through her Imagination Library initiative. After her death, the Dollywood Foundation intends to carry on that work. Cyrus, who teamed up with Beyoncé on "II Most Wanted," closed her tribute with a phrase that echoes one of Parton's own song titles.[S1]
