MILEY CYRUS BREAKS HER SILENCE AFTER DOLLY PARTON’S DEATH “I HAVE AN ANGEL BY MY SIDE”
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Miley Cyrus has shared an intensely personal tribute to her godmother Dolly Parton, revealing that the country music icon’s death has left a loss she can barely put into words.
Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. For Cyrus, however, Dolly was never simply a legendary singer or a famous family friend. She had been part of her life since childhood — a godmother, mentor and deeply loved member of her extended family.
“LOSING MY AUNT DOLLY” HURTS BEYOND WORDS
Taking to Instagram, Cyrus opened up about the pain of losing someone who had been present throughout so much of her life.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” she wrote, explaining that some of their most meaningful memories were private moments away from the spotlight.
Cyrus also looked back on one of their final conversations, revealing that the two had recently spoken about music and metamorphosis.
And in the midst of her grief, Cyrus recalled something she believes Dolly would have wanted her to do.
She said Parton would want her to feel the loss, turn those emotions into music and ultimately remain strong.
“I have an angel by my side,” Cyrus wrote.
She ended by saying she would always love Dolly and would continue trying to make her proud.
DOLLY WAS THERE LONG BEFORE “HANNAH MONTANA”
The connection between Cyrus and Parton began long before millions of fans knew them as Aunt Dolly and Miley Stewart.
During the 1990s, Billy Ray Cyrus toured with Parton, and the two country stars developed a close friendship.
Billy Ray eventually asked Dolly to become the godmother of his daughter.
Parton later became part of Hannah Montana, appearing as Aunt Dolly alongside Miley — a role that seemed almost too perfect given their real-life relationship.
Their onscreen chemistry wasn’t simply acting. There was a genuine affection between them that audiences could feel.
For Miley, Dolly represented both family and one of the most important influences on her life in music.
BILLY RAY CYRUS SHARES HIS OWN DOLLY STORY
Miley wasn’t the only member of the Cyrus family mourning.
Billy Ray also paid tribute to the woman who had been such an important part of his life.
He recalled receiving a heartfelt message from Dolly shortly before her death, saying she told him she loved him “with her whole heart.”
But Billy Ray also remembered one of their funniest moments together.
Back in 1992, tabloid rumors falsely claimed that the two singers were having an affair. Billy Ray recalled walking into Dolly’s dressing room to apologize for the stories.
Dolly’s response, according to Billy Ray, was pure Dolly.
Rather than becoming upset, she reportedly winked and joked about the publicity, telling him: “Honey, this trash sells records!”
The story offered a glimpse of the humor and personality that made Parton so beloved even beyond her music.
A LOSS FELT ACROSS THE MUSIC WORLD
Cyrus and Billy Ray were among countless artists and celebrities who paid tribute to Parton following her death.
Paul McCartney also remembered the country legend, thanking her for the music she had given the world and wishing her peace.
Across social media, tributes continued pouring in as fans and fellow musicians reflected on a career that stretched across generations.
But for Miley Cyrus, the loss was much more intimate. She wasn’t saying goodbye to Dolly Parton the superstar. She was saying goodbye to Aunt Dolly.
And as Cyrus mourns, her godmother’s influence is likely to remain woven into everything she does — especially the music Dolly encouraged her to create.
“I will always love her and want to make her proud.”