Parton died yesterday at 80 following what was described as a brief battle with cancer. In a tribute shared on Instagram, Cyrus reflected on their relationship while asking for some of its most meaningful memories to remain private.
Miley Cyrus remembers Dolly Parton as her “Aunt Dolly”
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” Cyrus wrote. “Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”
Their connection began before Cyrus was born, after Parton became close with Billy Ray Cyrus in the early 1990s and agreed to become Miley’s godmother. “I have an angel by my side. I always have,” Cyrus stated in her tribute, reflecting on the place Parton held in her life.
Parton’s presence became part of Cyrus’ childhood and career, particularly through “Hannah Montana,” where she appeared as Aunt Dolly. Their musical relationship continued for years, including performances of “Jolene” and collaborations on Cyrus’ Younger Now and Parton’s A Holly Dolly Christmas. “One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis,” Cyrus revealed.
Cyrus also shared what she believes Parton would have wanted her to do with the pain of losing her. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong.” She added, “I will always love her and want to make her proud.”
The singer closed by widening the tribute beyond their own relationship. “My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply,” Cyrus wrote. “We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”