Miley Cyrus is honoring country music icon — and her godmother — Dolly Parton after her death.
“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, 33, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, August 25, alongside a black-and-white throwback photo of Parton. “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. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋.”
Cyrus continued, “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. 💖 @dollyparton.”
News broke on Tuesday, August 25, that Parton died at age 80.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
A “small, private service will be held for immediate family” while her “fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly” on social media and her website, per her request. In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Parton, who was named Miley’s godmother because of her close friendship with Billy Ray Cyrus, had been candid throughout her life about her connection to the “Flowers” singer. In 2022, Parton opened up to Us about sharing similar attributes to her goddaughter.
“I don’t give advice, but I got a lot of information. Same with Miley,” she told Us at the time. “Everybody says, ‘Do you give Miley advice?’ I said, ‘Nobody gives Miley advice.’ She’s [as] headstrong as I am, but we both respect each other. And we share things.”
“If I feel like I’ve got something to say to her, like, a mother or an aunt or a godmother, I will say something. Or [I will] ask her a question about this or that or ask her a question even concerning my own career,” Parton continued. “[Because] I wanna stay involved and important in the business for as long as I live. And I’ve been lucky enough that that’s happened.”
In Parton’s perspective, she shared that it was a “great blessing and a great compliment” that she was “able to steer anybody in a good direction.” One year later, Parton released her version of Miley’s “Wrecking Ball” after falling in love with the 2013 track.
“When I heard ‘Wrecking Ball,’ I almost wept in my car,” she said in a press release in 2023. “When it started into the chorus, it hit me like a wrecking ball! I thought, ‘How great can a song be, and how great can Miley Cyrus be?’ I thought, ‘I have to have that song on my rock album, and I have to have Miley sing it with me!’ I love it, and I hope you do!”
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