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These appearances showed that their relationship did not exist only behind the scenes, but had also become a memorable part of both women’s musical journeys.
Dolly also influenced Miley in a very different way through advice about her career, And Miley has shared that Dolly always encouraged her to change, grow and avoid becoming trapped in an image of herself from the past.
So for Miley, Dolly was not only family, but also a mentor she could turn to whenever she faced important turning points, Because Dolly was not simply Miley’s godmother, but almost a second mother throughout her life.
When that woman passed away, Miley’s grief was no longer simply a farewell to a legend.
It was the pain of losing a loved one who had been there for her even before she was born.
After Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25th 2026, Miley Cyrus responded with deeply emotional and heartfelt tributes expressing the profound love she had for her godmother.
The very next day, Miley shared an emotional tribute on Instagram alongside a black and white photograph of Dolly Parton, writing: “Through indescribable grief, she said: “The feeling of losing my aunt Dolly is beyond anything I could possibly share, emphasizing that their most sacred moments would remain private behind the scenes, beneath the glitter and between our hearts”.
In that tearful tribute, Miley revealed an especially meaningful detail.
One of her final conversations with Dolly Parton had been about music and transformation.
She shared that, although she was hurting, Dolly would not want her to fall apart.
Aunt Dolly would want me to live in my feelings, write a song about it and keep going strong.