Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus share a profound bond that has flourished over decades, beginning even before Cyrus was born. Their relationship, rooted in mutual respect and affection, has grown stronger as they navigate the complexities of fame together. Parton, a country music icon, has played a significant role in shaping Cyrus’s life and career, while Cyrus often refers to her as “Aunt Dolly,” demonstrating the warmth of their connection.
Parton first entered the Cyrus family dynamic through her friendship with Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus. The two became friends in the early 1990s when Billy Ray opened for Parton on tour. Their camaraderie led to Parton being named Miley’s godmother, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. “I’m her honorary godmother,” Parton stated in a May 14, 2009 interview. “I’ve known her since she was a baby. Her father’s a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’”
Billy Ray Cyrus has described the connection between Parton and Miley as one of kindred spirits, recalling their instant chemistry upon meeting. “You could just feel it from the second they met. It was two peas in a pod,” he reflected.
Collaborations and Mentorship
Parton and Cyrus have maintained a close relationship over the years, with Parton frequently stepping in as a mentor amid Miley’s rise to fame. Their collaboration on the Disney series, Hannah Montana, solidified their bond, with Parton guest-starring as Miley’s Aunt Dolly. Parton fondly remembered this experience, noting, “You really helped my career; you introduced me to a whole new set of fans. Young ones!”
Cyrus has often sought Parton’s wisdom in her career, particularly during pivotal moments. When preparing for her performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Cyrus reached out to Parton for guidance. Nominated for her hit “Flowers,” Cyrus wanted to ensure she made the right impression. Parton’s insights were invaluable, encouraging her to embrace her true self. “She said, ‘You’re going to do the Grammys. And you’re not just gonna show up but you’re gonna show off,’” Cyrus recounted. “She was telling me to be me.”
Parton, who has won 10 Grammy Awards throughout her illustrious career, understands the pressures of the spotlight and offers perspective that only comes from years of experience. She advised Cyrus on the importance of presentation, saying, “Don’t forget about the beauty—the hair, the makeup, the whole show. You know, it’s armor for us.”
A Family-Like Relationship
The relationship between Parton and Cyrus transcends that of a typical godmother and goddaughter. In a surprising twist, they discovered they are also distant relatives, sharing a common ancestor, John Brickey, from the late 1700s. Despite this tenuous lineage, Parton has always considered Cyrus as family.
Parton has expressed her affection for Cyrus in heartfelt messages, including a touching note on Mother’s Day. “Dolly wrote to me to say: ‘How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach,’” Cyrus recalled, admitting it brought her to tears. “I just love her so much.”
Both stars continue to inspire each other, demonstrating that their bond is not only one of mentorship but also genuine love and admiration. As they navigate their careers and personal lives, the enduring relationship between Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus serves as a testament to the power of connection in the entertainment industry.
