What To Know
- Miley Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother Dolly Parton, who died of cancer at age 80 on August 25.
- Billy Ray Cyrus, whose birthday is August 25, also honored Parton on Instagram.
Miley Cyrus, goddaughter of Dolly Parton, has paid tribute to her Aunt Dolly, who died on August 25 at the age of 80. Cyrus’ tribute to the beloved country music icon and humanitarian reveals details about their final conversations.
Parton died on a day that Cyrus has previously said is a repeatedly noteworthy day in her life. It’s her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus‘, birthday, and it’s a day when she has released select songs, among other standout memories.
Parton died on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer. Her death was announced by her family on Tuesday.
Disney Channel / Everett Collection
Parton and Cyrus have worked together over the years on Hannah Montana, music, and more. Cyrus shared a black-and-white photo of Parton on August 26 for her tribute, writing that she feels Parton would want her to write a song about her feelings.
“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,” Cyrus wrote. “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,” the tribute continued. “One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 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.”
Billy Ray also paid tribute to Parton on August 25 on Instagram, He and Parton became close in the 1990s when they were on tour together.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” he wrote. “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, 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,” he continued.
Disney Channel/Byron Cohen
Billy Ray also shared details of one of their final conversations.
“In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’” he said. “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.”
See Parton tributes from Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and more here.