Over the years, Miley Cyrus shared the stage with Dolly Parton, but their connection went far beyond music. Dolly wasn’t simply a country music legend to Miley—she was also her godmother and someone who played an important role in helping her navigate the entertainment industry.
For decades, Parton offered guidance and support to her goddaughter. Now that the country icon has reportedly passed away, comments Miley once made about watching the people who made her feel safe grow older have taken on an especially emotional meaning.
Not long ago, Cyrus spoke about the perspective that comes with getting older. As she embraced adulthood, she realized something that was difficult to accept: the people who had always made her feel protected and secure were aging too.
Reflecting on that realization, Miley explained, “I think the reason I’m so emotional is because as I get older, my dad gets older, my mom, she gets older. So many of the people that have paved the path for me to feel like I have a safety in this lifestyle.”
She also acknowledged how fortunate she has been to have so much love and support surrounding her throughout her life.
“I’ve been extremely blessed to have so much love within my family,” Cyrus said.
Dolly Parton Taught Miley Cyrus Not to Wait for Permission
Dolly’s influence on Miley wasn’t limited to emotional support. She also passed along advice about taking control of her career and making things happen instead of waiting for others to approve her decisions.
While discussing the legacy of Hannah Montana, Cyrus recalled advice she received from her godmother.
“I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly. She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no.”
Miley said she followed that advice when working to celebrate the Hannah Montana legacy. Because Disney owns the rights to the franchise, she admitted that she began promoting the anniversary special before she had received official permission.
For Cyrus, however, the connection between herself and the character goes much deeper than a television series.
“I think even Disney sometimes forgets the connection between me and Hannah. It’s not just a TV show,” she explained.
She pointed to the reaction she continues to receive from fans as evidence of just how meaningful the character remains.
“I see daily how important Hannah is to people. When I travel, people bring me ‘Hannah’ merch.”
Miley’s reflections on growing older, family, and the people who helped shape her career now carry an even more emotional weight, especially when remembering the special bond she shared with Dolly Parton.