Introduction:
Long before Miley Cyrus became one of the biggest pop stars in the world, she was simply Billy Ray Cyrus’s little girl — and Dolly Parton’s goddaughter.
Their relationship began before Miley was even born. Dolly had become close friends with Billy Ray Cyrus after they worked and toured together in the 1990s. When Billy Ray and Tish were expecting their daughter, he asked Dolly to become the baby’s godmother. Dolly said yes. From that moment on, she became a special part of Miley’s life.
Miley was born Destiny Hope Cyrus in 1992, but her family called her “Smiley,” a nickname that eventually became Miley. Dolly watched her grow up, and when Miley entered the spotlight, their unusual family bond became something millions of fans could see.
In 2006, Dolly appeared on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly, a fictional version of herself and Miley’s godmother. She returned several times throughout the series, giving Miley’s character advice while also bringing their real-life relationship onto the screen.
For Dolly, Hannah Montana also opened an entirely new generation of young fans. She later acknowledged that appearing on the Disney series introduced her music and personality to children who might not otherwise have discovered her.
But the relationship was never simply about television.
Dolly became someone Miley could turn to as she grew from a Disney teenager into an adult artist. And one of Dolly’s greatest gifts to Miley was not telling her to become another Dolly Parton.
It was encouraging her to become herself.
Miley has spoken about Dolly’s influence many times. In 2024, she recalled asking Dolly whether she should perform at the Grammys. Dolly’s answer was characteristically direct: Miley should not simply show up — she should “show off” and be completely herself. Miley said Dolly taught her that the hair, makeup and spectacle could be “armor,” while still reminding her to remain authentic underneath it.
Their connection also became musical.
Miley and Dolly recorded “Rainbowland” together for Miley’s 2017 album Younger Now. They later shared the stage for “Jolene,” including their memorable performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards tribute honoring Dolly.
Dolly never had children of her own. She spoke openly about that part of her life, saying she believed perhaps she was meant to love and care for “everybody’s kids.” Her work with children through the Imagination Library became one expression of that belief.
Miley was another.
But after Dolly’s death on August 25, 2026, their relationship suddenly took on an entirely different meaning.
Miley described losing her “Aunt Dolly” as a profound personal loss. She remembered that their most sacred moments had happened away from cameras and said Dolly would want her to feel the grief, write a song about it, and continue moving forward. She also revealed that one of their final conversations was about music and transformation.
That may be the most fitting legacy of their relationship.
Dolly did not simply give Miley opportunities. She gave her perspective. She showed her that glamour could coexist with authenticity, that vulnerability did not have to be weakness, and that growing older did not mean losing the childlike joy that made people fall in love with you.
Miley once had Dolly as her fairy godmother.
Now, she carries her memory through the music they made together.
And every time Miley steps onto a stage and sings, a little piece of that extraordinary bond continues to live.