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Parton appeared with Cyrus during different periods of her career and repeatedly spoke with admiration about her talent.
Cyrus, in turn, often described Parton as an important influence.
Their bond eventually became visible to millions of television viewers.
But one song came to symbolize that connection more than almost any other.
It was a song Parton had written decades before Cyrus was born.
“Jolene” Kept Bringing Them Back Together
In November 2016, Parton and Cyrus performed “Jolene” on The Voice.
They were joined by Pentatonix, adding another vocal layer to Parton’s famous song.
For audiences, the performance was memorable partly because of the contrast between generations.
Parton had first released “Jolene” in the 1970s.
Cyrus belonged to a much younger generation of pop performers.
Yet when they stood together on stage, the age difference mattered less than the musical connection.
And that would not be the last time audiences saw them share the song.
A much larger stage was still ahead.
The Grammy Stage Turned Their Relationship Into a Public Celebration
At the 61st Grammy Awards in February 2019, Parton was honored with an extended musical tribute.
The performance brought together artists from different areas of contemporary music.
Kacey Musgraves and Katy Perry joined Parton for “Here You Come Again.”
Then Cyrus appeared.
She and her godmother performed “Jolene” together.
It was more than another rendition of a familiar hit.
For viewers who knew their relationship, the duet placed a real family-like bond at the center of one of music’s biggest televised events.
But the tribute continued.
Maren Morris joined Parton and Cyrus for “After the Gold Rush.”
Little Big Town performed with Parton on “Red Shoes,” a song connected to the Dumplin’ soundtrack.
The sequence ultimately reached “9 to 5,” one of Parton’s most famous songs.