WATCH: Dolly Parton's adorable reaction on learning she’s related to goddaughter Miley Cyrus
BLOOD COUNTY, TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus have always shared a special bond, but it turns out their connection runs even deeper than being godmother and goddaughter.
Recently, during a segment on 'Access Hollywood', Parton learned through Ancestry research that she and Miley are actually related by blood - seventh cousins, once removed, as per Entertainment Weekly.
Dolly Parton discovers she's related to Miley Cyrus
Their shared ancestor is John Brickey, Parton’s sixth great-grandfather and Cyrus’ seventh great-grandfather.
“Is that true? That’s amazing!” Parton exclaimed upon hearing the news.
“I’m sure she’ll get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t surprise me because she does feel like family.”
Brickey, who was born in Virginia in 1740 and whose family originated in France, eventually moved to Blount County, Tennessee, where he lived until his death in 1806.
Interestingly, both Parton and Cyrus hail from Tennessee, making their newfound family connection even more meaningful.
Parton’s relationship with Cyrus goes back much further than this recent revelation.
She's been close with Miley’s father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, for years, and in 2009, Parton first shared publicly that she was Miley’s godmother, according to ABC News.
"I've known her since she was a baby," Parton recalled. "[Her father] said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’ We never did do a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her, love her. And she’s just like one of my own.”
Reportedly, Parton and Cyrus took the stage together at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles, California where Parton was honored with a special tribute, and Cyrus was among the featured artists who performed in her honor during the event.
Dolly Parton has 'been like a mother' to Miley Cyrus
Over the years, their bond has only grown stronger, both personally and professionally.
Parton made a few guest appearances on Cyrus' hit Disney show 'Hannah Montana', portraying her godmother on-screen.
They’ve also collaborated musically, including on the track 'Rainbowland' from Cyrus' 2017 album 'Younger Now.'
Additionally, they’ve paid tribute to each other through song, with Miley delivering a powerful cover of Parton’s classic 'Jolene,' and Parton covering Cyrus' emotional hit 'Wrecking Ball.'
Miley has always spoken fondly of her godmother, once saying, "Dolly’s been like a mother to me."
In a conversation with W Magazine, Miley shared their unique way of staying in touch: “I was just reading this fax that she sent me two Mother’s Days ago. 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.’ It gets me choked up. I just love her so much.”
