Miley Cyrus pays emotional tribute to godmother Dolly Parton: ‘I have an angel by my side’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Dolly Parton’s death has been heartbreaking news. The beloved singer-songwriter brought joy to so many people, but for Miley Cyrus, Parton was more than that. She was her godmother and aunt.

Heartbroken, Cyrus shared an emotional tribute to the 80-year-old singer, bidding her farewell and calling her “an angel” who is always “by her side.” Cyrus reflected on how “sacred” their conversations were and revealed what they discussed during their final conversation.

Miley Cyrus mourns godmother Dolly Parton’s death

The much-awaited tribute from Cyrus came in the form of a three-paragraph note accompanied by a young black-and-white image of Parton.

“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.”

She continued by sharing what Parton would have wanted Cyrus to do: “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.”

She also used a butterfly symbol. 

“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,” she concluded in the third and final paragraph.

Dolly Parton’s lasting influence on Miley Cyrus

Cyrus and Parton’s relationship as goddaughter, godmother and mentor has spanned nearly 32 years. Parton became Cyrus’ fairy godmother, close mentor and a guiding figure in her life.

Back when Cyrus was starring in Disney’s 'Hannah Montana', Parton appeared as “Aunt Dolly.” The pair also shared numerous stages over the years. They performed together at the 2019 Grammy Awards and co-hosted NBC’s Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party in 2023.

Cyrus has always spoken about Parton and how she became close to her.

Parton also praised the 'Wrecking Ball' singer for being “talented in every way” and loved her like her own child.

For the unaware, Cyrus once shared that Parton inspired the 'Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special'.

"I learned this terrible habit, but I actually think it was good advice from Dolly,” Cyrus said in an interview with Variety. “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no."