Miley Cyrus didn’t take part in MTV’s tribute to Dolly Parton at September’s Music Video Awards. She had a more personal tribute in mind. The “Flowers” singer got emotional and broke down in tears while honoring her late godmother and mentor, “Aunt Dolly.” Stay on this page to see the heart-wrenching tribute.
Dolly Parton’s Family Implodes After Her Death
Dolly Parton’s beloved nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her passing in late August. The iconic singer had been privately battling cancer before her death at 80. Her nephew was hand-picked to deliver the news after years of heading up her security.
However, he was fired from his position after her death. He accused her manager of tarnishing Dolly Parton’s legacy. However, Dolly Parton’s team hit back with a restraining order, accusing her nephew of threats. The ongoing legal battle has put a stain on her name in a way she would have hated. But she has one extended family member who honored her in the right way.
Miley Cyrus Breaks Down In Tears While Honoring Late Godmother
Miley Cyrus has a special bond with Dolly Parton. Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, toured with Dolly in the 1990s and they became close friends. She happily accepted when asked to be Miley’s godmother.
The two played up their connection on Hannah Montana when Dolly Parton guest-starred several times as Miley’s fairy godmother. In real life, she lovingly called the icon “Aunt Dolly.”
Miley Cyrus was heartbroken over Dolly’s death. Speculation swirled for weeks that Miley would perform at the 2027 Super Bowl. She still could be, but first, she performed a show at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on October 15. Miley Cyrus played her old hits and music from her new Bass Persuades album. But she took time out of the setlist to honor her beloved godmother.
“Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could tear us apart,” she tearfully told the crowd. “And I’m gonna see her again. I can’t f***ing wait because I miss her. Some of the greatest music that we have today was written, produced and performed by my Aunt Dolly,” Miley Cyrus said before singing Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
@fangirlarchive tears #mileycyrus #hollywoodbowl
♬ original sound – fangirlarchive
PEOPLE magazine reported that later in the show, Miley Cyrus held a photo of Dolly Parton while performing “Wrecking Ball.” She told the audience that it was Dolly’s favorite song of hers. They performed it together on Dolly Parton’s 2023 Rockstar album.
Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire and more country singers honor Dolly Parton in an ABC special later this month. CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs on ABC on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 9 PM Eastern. Miley Cyrus isn’t among the announced performers, but we wouldn’t be surprised if she makes an unannounced appearance.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger