Miley Cyrus' Bond With Dolly Parton Resurfaces After Her Godmother's Death

Miley Cyrus is mourning the death of her godmother Dolly Parton, whose passing at 80 in Nashville on 25 August 2026 has brought renewed attention to their decades-long relationship.

Parton became Cyrus' godmother after forming a close relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, in the early 1990s and remained a mentor and family figure throughout the singer's life. Cyrus was among the stars to pay tribute to Parton shortly after her death, calling her 'the purest soul.'

How Dolly Parton Became Miley Cyrus' Godmother

Parton's connection to the Cyrus family began through her friendship with Billy Ray Cyrus. After the success of his 1992 hit 'Achy Breaky Heart,' he toured with Parton, and the pair became close.

When Miley was born later that year, Billy Ray asked Parton to become her godmother. She accepted and remained involved in Miley's life as she grew up.

Parton later described knowing Miley 'since she was a baby,' while Miley regularly referred to her as 'Aunt Dolly.' The relationship was not simply a music-industry connection but one rooted in family friendship and mentorship.

Dolly's Hannah Montana Role Reflected Their Real Bond

Their personal relationship was later reflected on screen when Parton appeared as Aunt Dolly on Disney Channel's Hannah Montana. Her character was Miley Stewart's godmother, closely mirroring Parton's real-life role.

Parton appeared in several episodes of the series, helping introduce her music and personality to a younger generation. The connection also gave fans a glimpse of the affection between the two performers beyond their professional lives.

Parton continued to support Miley as her career moved from Disney pop star to an established recording artist.

Miley And Dolly Shared Music And Career Advice

The pair also collaborated musically over the years, including performances of Parton's 'Jolene' and a 2023 duet on Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball.'

Parton's influence extended beyond music. In a 2026 interview, Cyrus recalled advice from her godmother about promoting an idea before it officially existed, saying Parton had taught her to 'promote it before it exists'. Cyrus credited the approach with helping her push for a Hannah Montana anniversary project.

Their relationship was therefore both personal and professional, with Parton acting as a source of encouragement as Cyrus navigated fame.

Miley Cyrus Pays Tribute After Dolly Parton Dies At 80

Following news of Parton's death, Cyrus shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on the loss of someone who had been part of her life since childhood. Her response came as celebrities and fans across generations mourned the country icon.

Parton died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. Her death was announced by her nephew Brian Seaver, who said the family was sharing news Parton had previously asked them to announce.

Billy Ray Cyrus also paid tribute to his longtime friend, recalling how their friendship began in 1992.

Parton's husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025. Her death now leaves Miley Cyrus without the woman who had been both her godmother and one of her most enduring mentors.

The bond between Parton and Cyrus has become an important part of Parton's legacy, connecting two generations of music while showing how a decades-old family friendship continued to shape one of pop culture's biggest stars.