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The performance moved through different periods of her career rather than focusing on a single era.
And Cyrus was positioned inside that history not merely as another famous singer.
She was someone whose connection to Parton existed offstage as well.
Another Celebration Had Happened Just Days Earlier
The Grammy performance was part of a larger week honoring Parton.
Two days before the Grammys, on February 8, 2019, Parton was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles.
Cyrus was among the performers announced for the event.
MusiCares recognized Parton for both her artistic accomplishments and her charitable contributions.
The gala also served another purpose.
Proceeds helped support people working in music who were dealing with financial, medical or personal difficulties.
That meant the celebration was not simply about famous performers honoring another famous performer.
It was connected to practical assistance for members of the wider music community.
For Parton, whose public identity had long included philanthropy alongside entertainment, the connection was fitting.
And Cyrus once again found herself participating in a tribute that combined Parton’s public work with something more personal.
Yet their shared musical history kept growing.
Their Relationship Continued Beyond “Jolene”
Cyrus and Parton did not limit their collaborations to one signature song.
Parton appeared on “Rainbowland,” released on Cyrus’s 2017 album Younger Now.
Years later, Parton recorded a version of Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” for her 2023 album Rockstar, with Cyrus joining her on the track.
They also performed together during Cyrus’s New Year’s Eve special at the end of 2022.
By that point, their musical relationship had stretched across television, awards shows, albums and live performances.
Audiences had been given many opportunities to watch them together.