Billy Ray Cyrus and Dolly Parton shared a friendship that lasted for decades, creating countless memories along the way. Parton also had a special connection to the Cyrus family, serving as the godmother of Billy Ray’s daughter, Miley Cyrus.
Now, following Dolly Parton’s death at 80, Billy Ray has opened up about one of his final exchanges with the beloved country music legend — a personal message from Dolly that has taken on an even deeper meaning.
The world continues to mourn Parton after her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a social media video on Tuesday, August 25. Her representatives later confirmed to PEOPLE that she died following what was described as a “brief battle” with cancer. The specific type of cancer has not been publicly revealed.
Parton leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. She first rose to national prominence through her work with Porter Wagoner in the 1960s before building a career that made her one of the most recognizable and influential figures in country music.
As tributes have poured in, many of the people closest to her have shared personal memories that reveal the woman behind the larger-than-life public image.
Among those remembering Parton is Miley Cyrus, who shared an emotional tribute to her longtime godmother and described the pain of losing someone she considered family.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” Miley wrote.
She reflected on the private moments they shared away from the spotlight and said she believed Dolly would want her to turn her grief into music and continue moving forward.
“One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis,” Miley revealed.
She also expressed her determination to honor Dolly’s memory, writing that she would always love her and want to make her proud.
Billy Ray Cyrus Remembers Dolly Parton
Miley was not the only member of the Cyrus family to pay tribute to Parton.
Billy Ray Cyrus also shared an emotional message reflecting on his decades-long friendship with the country icon. For him, Dolly was someone he had admired since childhood, long before they became friends.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” he wrote.
Billy Ray recalled growing up watching Parton on television and listening to her music, describing her as someone who was simply part of everyday life.
“Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton,” he wrote. “She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”
He then remembered a particularly unusual moment from 1992, when tabloid stories claimed that he was having an affair with Dolly.
Billy Ray said he walked into her dressing room to apologize for the stories. But rather than becoming upset, Dolly responded in the playful way that fans and friends knew so well.
According to Billy Ray, she winked and told him, “Honey, this trash sells records!”
The story captured Parton’s famous sense of humor and her ability to turn even an uncomfortable situation into something funny.
Dolly’s Final Message to Billy Ray
But the most emotional part of Billy Ray’s tribute came when he revealed that Dolly had contacted him recently.
According to Cyrus, Parton sent him a heartfelt message telling him how much she loved him.
“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” Billy Ray wrote.
He responded with words of his own that now carry much greater significance.
“I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will.”
For Billy Ray, that final exchange has become a deeply personal memory of someone who meant much more to him than her status as a country music superstar.
While millions of fans remember Dolly Parton for her remarkable voice, songwriting, films, philanthropy and decades-long career, those who knew her personally are remembering a friend, mentor and beloved family figure.
Her friendship with the Cyrus family was one of those connections that extended beyond the stage. Through Miley, Billy Ray and their family, Dolly remained part of a personal circle that treasured her not simply as a legend, but as Dolly.
Now, Billy Ray’s recollection of their final message offers an intimate glimpse into their friendship — and a reminder that behind the fame and headlines was a woman who made a lasting impact on the people closest to her.
His final words about Dolly are simple but powerful: he will continue to love her with his “whole heart.”
And for a friendship that lasted so many years, that may be the most fitting farewell of all.