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    Why Miley Cyrus Has Said Dolly Parton Was “Like a Mother to Me”

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    Watch: Miley Cyrus Details Final Conversation With Godmother Dolly Parton

    In godmother Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus truly had the best of both worlds. 

    Her dad Billy Ray Cyrus having bonded with the music legend during their 1992 tour, “He said…’We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!'” Parton recounted on The Howard Stern Show in 2023. “And I said, ‘Well, I’d be honored.'” 

    And having the icon just a phone call away (or a fax, rather, Parton famously not fond of texts) undoubtedly inspired the future Grammy winner. “She’s a legend,” Cyrus detailed on German series Wetten … Dass? in 2013, “and unlike anyone I’ve ever seen before.”

    But also, “Dolly’s been like a mother to me,” Cyrus—whose mom Tish Cyrus was married to the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer from 1993 to 2022—shared in a 2024 interview with W Magazine, revealing the 11-time Grammy winner “wrote me to say: ‘How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach.’ It gets me choked up.” 

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    Dolly Parton: A Life in Pictures

    So, while Cyrus will certainly miss out on Parton’s pep talks after the beloved icon died at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer, the 33-year-old knows the “I Will Always Love You” singer will be with her every step of the way. 

    “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong,” Cyrus detailed in an Aug. 26 Instagram tribute. “I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”

    Because Tennessee-bred Parton was always one to remind Cyrus she was good, she was gold. 

    “She’s so talented, so special. She knows who she is,” Parton raved of her goddaughter on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2023. “People are always saying, ‘Do you tell Miley what to do?’ I say, ‘No, Miley’s Miley. Miley’s gonna know what to do. She knows who she is. She knows what she needs. She goes about it and she’s willing to sacrifice for it.’ And I always have been too.”

    Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

    In fact, though Cyrus raved about Parton’s “steadfast morals and values” in a 2021 Time profile, the advice that sticks out most is that it’s her party and she can do what she wants.

    Repeating Parton’s motto, Cyrus said, “You do you, I’ll do me and together we’ll be us.” 

    The duo shared more than just a spiritual bond (and a bloodline, Parton responding to news that they had a mutual great-grandfather by telling Access Hollywood, “We’re so close, Miley and I, I thought we would have been at least third cousins, 10 times removed.”)

    Much like Parton—who grew up the fourth of 12 siblings—Cyrus has questioned if she’d ever have kids. 

    “I feel like my fans kind of are my kids in some way,” the singer, engaged to drummer Maxx Morando, noted to W. “I’ve heard Dolly say that too.” 

    And, of course, there was their mutual musical prowess, Cyrus—who’s covered both “Jolene” and “9 to 5”—noting she could comfortably come in like a wrecking ball whenever they shared a stage.

    “There’s this unspoken ‘I’ve got your back,’ and anything that would ever happen, I know she could pick up,” Cyrus told E! News ahead of their “Wrecking Ball” and “I Will Always Love You” mashup on her 2022 special Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party. 

    Having already paired up for a 2010 Hallmark special, a 2016 episode of The Voice and to honor Parton’s career at the 2019 Grammys and the night-before MusiCares Person Of The Year gala, Cyrus added, “She’s so professional, she’s so on top of it.” 

    While the “Flowers” singer also featured Parton on her 2017 track “Rainbowland,” one commonality they never addressed was the possibility of Cyrus slipping into Parton’s iconic rhinestones for any sort of biopic. 

    “Me and Dolly have never really spoken, honestly, about me playing Dolly because I feel like I’m already doing it,” Cyrus told E! News. Besides, she noted of Parton’s famed hourglass figure, “I don’t know what they’re gonna do to me. I’m sucked, I’m tucked and plucked, just like she taught me.”

    So, yes, Cyrus is taking far more than bittersweet memories with her following Parton’s passing. 

    “Dolly is someone that just continues to give, whether it’s giving us music, giving us inspiration,” she told E! News at the 2019 MusiCares gala. “She’s taught us all so much.”

    And Cyrus will hold onto it all as she continues to pursue her own “9 to 5.”

    “I will always love her and want to make her proud,” the Hannah Montana alum concluded her social media tribute. “We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”

    And Cyrus was just one of countless celebrities who shared their thoughts on Parton’s unparalleled legacy. Check out all the stars who wished the music legend, above all this, love. 

    Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

    Stella PartonParton’s younger sister shared moving insight into their special bond in her tribute.”Every Tuesday about this time, before the sun came up and the world was still asleep, she and I, for many years, had our coffee together over the phone,” she wrote on social media. “Being little farm girls we’ve continued to be early risers.”She added, “As she liked to say; ‘shoot Tedda, we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!’ We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans, as it has always been our way”

    Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images

    Billy Ray CyrusCyrus reflected on his longtime friendship with the “Love Is Like a Butterfly” singer.”I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” he explained on Instagram. “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”He also recalled a sweet note he received from Parton before her death.”Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” Cyrus added. “I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

    Miley CyrusThe “Malibu” singer paid tribute to her godmother as she shared insight into their last conversation.”The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” Cyrus wrote on Instagram. “Our most sacred moments were private, andthey’lll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.””What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue and be strong. I have an angel by my side,” she continued. “I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”

    Robin Platzer/Getty Images

    Wynonna JuddThe “Kentucky Queen” singer shared how Parton supported her after her mom Noami Judd died by suicide in April 2022.”To imagine a world without @dollyparton is almost unthinkable,” she began on Instagram. “The mark she left on music, our culture, and the human spirit is greater than any of us could ever hope to leave behind.””When Mom passed, Dolly showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget,” she continued. “That’s who she was—she showed up. She was family. She was a light in my life and in the lives of millions of people who may never have had the privilege of knowing her personally, but somehow felt like they did. There will never be another Dolly. I will miss my friend more than words can say.”She ended her tribute with a message to her longtime friend: “From one mountain woman to another, I will always love you.”

    Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    Seth MeyersThe Late Night host—who was joined by Parton in 2019—recalled two stories from the country singer’s appearance.”I told her backstage that my three-year-old’s favorite song was ‘Jolene,'” he explained on Instagram, “and she made me FaceTime so she could sing it to him.”
     
    “Later she shot a promo for her NBC Christmas special,” he continued, “and when she got on a stool wearing her short skirt she said to the audience, ‘I gotta be careful or else I’m gonna show y’all my box office!'”The former Saturday Night Live member praised Parton’s joke.”Too dirty for church, too clean for the bar,” he added. “Just like her, it was just right.  What a light.”

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    Barbara Eden”I know I speak for many when I state that there is now a void in the heart of Americana… no, the whole world, that may never be filled,” the I Dream of Jeannie star wrote on X. “Dolly, words cannot define the enormity of your talent, the breadth of your kindness, the depth of your compassion and the expanse in which your legend will carry on in perpetuity.”She recalled meeting Parton at the Country Music Awards.”You were not only someone whose smile and presence were larger than life, your heart was even larger,” she continued. “I lift my eyes upward and know that while you’ve left us here, you’re singing amongst the angels, assuredly giving the host of Heaven a run for their money.”

    Richard Cartwright/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

    Derek Hough”Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dolly Parton,” the dancer shared on Instagram. “She was an absolute icon, a true legend not just for her music, but for her spirit, her kindness, her joy, her light.”The Dancing With the Stars pro also detailed working with the country singer and fellow dancers Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke for a performance of “9 to 5” and “Better Get to Livin'” on the dance competition in 2007.”I was lucky enough to share the stage with her, something I will never take for granted,” he added. “Her music and the way she made people feel will live on forever. Sending love to all she touched. Thank you, Dolly. You will never be forgotten.”

    Rich Fury/Getty Images for ACM

    Kelsea Ballerini”My East Tennessee angel,” Ballerini—who narrated part of Parton’s 2022 audiobook Run, Rose, Run—began in her Instagram Story, “Thank you for every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world. We will always love you Dolly.”

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    Katy Perry”Like the rest of the world, my heart sank seeing the news of dear Dolly’s passing,” she began on Instagram. “She meant so much to so many people for so long. For me, she was an example of a woman who defied the stereotypes for decades. She proved that big boobs, big brains, and a big voice can all exist in one tiny body!”But the “Dark Horse” singer emphasized that Parton had an even bigger heart.”I had the honor of meeting and singing with her several times. Every time I saw Dolly, she was a pure, sweet (but not saccharine) sassy, cup of joy,” she wrote. “Her way of looking at life with a sense of humor has always been an inspiration to me…”
    “If there’s someone you wanna look up to and model your life after, it’s Dolly,” Perry concluded. “Dolly was glam, funny, and kind as fuck. Her star will forever shine bright and I bet you she’s already remodeling them pearly gates with rhinestones.”

    Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images

    Mick Jagger”What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was,” he praised on X. “She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”

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    Daryl Hall”I’ve known Dolly since the ’70s,” the Hall & Oates alum explained on X. “Her loss is immeasurable. She was such a kind and genuinely nice person. And I still don’t know how she played so well with those long fingernails! What an amazing mystery…”

    Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

    The Muppets”There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton,” the musical ensemble began on Instagram. “She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off.”

    Stefanie Keenan/WireImage

    Maggie Rogers”One of the greatest songwriters of all time beautiful radiant butterfly human,” the indie singer wrote on Instagram. “I played with her at Newport once and I felt like my chest was on fire. I was so wildly awe struck.”She expressed gratitude to the Grammy winner, adding, “Thank you thank you a million times dolly.”

    Jaylynn Nash/NHLI via Getty Images

    Pat SajakThe former Wheel of Fortune host reflected on the first time he crossed paths with the “Jolene” singer.”When I was hired to join KNBC in Los Angeles, I was flown out from my home in Nashville,” he explained on X. “The coach section was overbooked, and I was fortunate to be moved to first class, where my seat mate turned out to be Dolly Parton. Sure was a nice flight. Rest in peace, Miss Dolly.”

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    Nickelback”An incredible songwriter, an unbelievable entertainer, and just a genuinely good human being,” the Canadian rock band wrote on X. “There will only ever be one Dolly Parton, and we were lucky to have her. Rest easy, Dolly.”

    Myrna M. Suarez/Getty Images

    Billy JoelThe “Piano Man” singer shared a tribute on behalf of his entire family, reflecting on the death of “a legend.””Dolly Parton has transcended time and become one of those iconic artists who is known for just being Dolly, beyond a specific song or moment in time,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was one of the lucky ones whose music she covered.””We will miss her and her presence on this earth,” the message continued, “but we will reap all the rewards of her life dedicated to making it a better place.”He also reflected on a recent visit to Parton’s amusement park Dollywood.”Our children looked up to her and knew her music,” he added. “The love for Dolly spanned generations. Her work in acknowledging endometriosis before most people knew what it was, and her philanthropic efforts have been inspirational to our family and our foundation.”

    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

    Chloe Bailey”RIP Dolly Parton,” the singer shared on X. “One of the most incredible talents. inspiring songwriter, incredible woman. what a gift of song you had. heaven gained an angel.”

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    “An honor and a privilege,” she wrote on X. “You will be sorely missed, legend. Oh Dolly.”

    Todd Owyoung/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    Jimmy Buffett”I’m very proud and honored to be part of anything that is going to make the world a better place,” he wrote on X. “RIP Dolly Parton. There are artists that are admired and then there is Dolly Parton.”

    Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

    Flavor Fav”RIP to Dolly Parton,” he wrote on X, “One of the greatest musical and American icons. She championed children, education, kindness and the overall goodness of the human race. Condolences to her family, friends, team and fans.”

    Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

    Carly Pearce”I’ve said often in my life, ‘What will the world be without Dolly?'” the country singer wrote on X. “From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. At 15 years old, my family uprooted their lives so I could start chasing my dreams, working in the country show at Dollywood.””Since then, I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Dolly, but getting to know her,” she continued. “She was exactly who we all hoped she would be—kind, funny, gracious, and one of a kind. Heaven got a whole lot sassier, funnier, and brighter today.”Pearce—who starred in Dollywood’s Country Crossroads show in the early aughts—shared her committment to Parton’s legacy.As she put it, “I will do my part as a woman in country music to continue carrying the light she shined so brightly for all of us.”

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    Brooke Shields”Dolly, there will never be anyone else like you,” the actress—who made guest appearances, like Parton, in Hannah Montana—wrote on Instagram. “I am gutted to hear the news. The world will forever be indebted to the good you’ve done and the legacy you’ve left. The equilibrium of the earth feels off.”She concluded her tribute with a message to Parton: “Thank you for everything.”

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    Ryan Seacrest”Dolly spent a lifetime reminding children to dream big, and then doing everything she could to help make those dreams possible,” the American Idol host wrote on Instagram. “We’ll always be grateful that her generosity extended to Seacrest Studios and the patients we serve. Her kindness, her belief in children and the joy she gave so freely will live on for generations.”

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    Goldie HawnThe Overboard actress reflecting on her relationship with Parton, alongside a throwback photo of the pair.”This was the first day I met Dolly,” she wrote on Instagram “She was a ray of light! Even then, she was lit up like an angel, a joyful, celestial being. Dolly blessed us all for generations to come. Rest, dear Angel, and, as you said, keep the angels creating music and singing in the heavens.”

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    Maren Morris”There will never be another,” the singer wrote on Instagram alongside a video of her singing with Parton. “@dollyparton was who we could all agree on. She was and is such a light.”

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    Anne Hathaway”Aw heck… Heaven just got one of its own back,” the Princess Diaries star wrote on Instagram. “Alright my loves, I know this is hard but just think: she left us so much to work with. She shared with us so many melodies, so many lyrics, so many stories, so many jokes, so much laughter, so many iconic performances but most of all, so many shining examples of how to be a treasure of humanity. “”She more than deserves her rest,” she continued, “and now it’s up to us to do our best follow in her brilliant, adorable, one-of-a-kind, bedazzled footsteps so that we still feel that magic in our world.”Hathaway also shared a message for the country music icon.”Dolly,” she concluded, “you have always been one of my angels. I will always love you xx”

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    Taylor Swift“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one,” Swift said in a statement to E! News. “She was truly the gift that kept on giving.””Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals,” she continued. “Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously. She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.”Swift shared that she’s “so grateful” for all of her contributions.”For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too,” the songwriter added. “Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”

    Robyn Beck and VALERIE MACON / AFP / Photo by ROBYN BECKVALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

    Beyoncé“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious,” Beyoncé wrote on her website Aug. 25. “You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship.”She’s espcially grateful they could work on a version of “Jolene” for Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter.”I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you,” she continued. “I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”

    Jerry Fitzgerald/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

    Oprah Winfrey“One of my fondest memories with @dollyparton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly,” the TV icon posted to Instagram. “This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn’t.“No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here,” Winfrey continued. “God bless you, Dolly—you earned your wings.”

    Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

    Jane FondaParton’s 9 to 5 costar shared a heartfelt message for the singer and actress, writing in part, “I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, ‘9to5,’ the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.” “To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit,” she added. “But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.”Fonda concluded, “RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”

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    View More Photos From Dolly Parton Dead: Celebrities Pay Tribute

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