Following the death of music icon Dolly Parton at age 80, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus shared an emotional Instagram tribute on Wednesday (August 26), describing their private bond and recalling their final conversations about music, transformation, and artistic strength after a brief battle with cancer.
The death of the legendary singer-songwriter marked a profound loss across the entertainment industry, drawing public mourning from artists, public figures, and family members alike. Parton, widely regarded as the Queen of Country Music, was known for her timeless hits including “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and I Will Always Love You,
alongside tracks such as Coat of Many Colors
and Old Flames (Can't Hold a Candle to You).
Parton passed away at the age of 80 after dealing with months of health struggles and a brief battle with cancer.
Family Ties and Decades of Collaboration
Dolly Parton death
The connection between Parton and the Cyrus family spanned decades, originating when Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, joined Parton’s 1992 tour as an opening act to promote his song Achy Breaky Heart.
Parton and Billy bonded because he is a Kentucky boy while she is from Tennessee. During that period, Billy Ray asked the “9 to 5” singer if she would be godmother to his newborn baby girl, Miley. The relationship evolved into a deep personal and professional partnership that lasted throughout Miley’s life, with Parton later playing “Aunt Dolly” on ‘Hannah Montana.’ Their relationship also flourished musically, with the two sharing performances and collaborations throughout the years, notably performing Parton’s famous hit ‘Jolene’ together many times—including at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Inside Miley Cyrus’s Emotional Instagram Tribute
Taking to Instagram Wednesday (August 26), Miley reflected on the deeply personal bond they shared, describing Parton as “Aunt Dolly.” She emphasized that their most sacred interactions remained behind the stage and between their hearts.
“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.”
Miley Cyrus, Musician
Miley Cyrus Pays Emotional Tribute to Godmother Dolly Parton
The singer also recalled one of their final conversations, which centered on music and transformation. Remembering her godmother’s guidance, Cyrus wrote that Parton would want her to feel the grief, write a song about it, and continue on with strength.
“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.”
Miley Cyrus, Musician
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. The
Global Outpouring From the Entertainment World
Miley Cyrus Shares Emotional Tribute to Godmother Dolly Parton
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video posted Tuesday afternoon. Seaver shared in the clip: This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
Seaver added: 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.
The announcement prompted an immediate wave of tributes from across the globe. Celebrities, musicians, and public figures posted personal reflections honoring her extraordinary life and expansive legacy, with Miley Cyrus joining a chorus of celebrities including Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Queen Latifah, President Barack Obama, Sally Field, Reba McEntire, Jane Fonda, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and others who took to social media over the last day to toast Parton’s memory.
Immediately, the post was flooded with messages of love from fellow celebrities who showed their respect. Thank you, Dolly! You made the world a better place❤️,
Leslie Mann wrote. We will always love you, Dolly 🦋,
Julianne Hough added. Country artist Kacey Musgraves tweeted that The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden,
calling her “One of one 💔.” Pedro Pascal wrote under a black-and-white portrait of the singer, We must make more.
