Full Breakdown
Miley Cyrus Honors Dolly Parton After Her Death
8/26/2026, 11:48:15 PM
Core Event: Instagram tribute posted on August 26
Cyrus shared a black-and-white photo of Parton on Instagram on August 26, the day after the singer’s death.
Background & Context: A decades-long godmother-goddaughter relationship
Dolly Parton became Miley Cyrus’s honorary godmother in 1992 after Billy Ray Cyrus asked her to join the family. The bond was described by Parton as “like a mother to me.” Their collaborations included a Grammy performance of “Jolene” (2019) and co-writing “Rainbowland” for Cyrus’s 2017 album *Younger Now*.
Timeline of key moments
- 1992 – Parton named Cyrus’s godmother.
- 2006-2010 – Guest appearance on *Hannah Montana*.
- February 10 2019 – Grammy duet of “Jolene.”
- 2017 – Co-wrote “Rainbowland.”
- 2023 – “Wrecking Ball” duet on Parton’s *Rockstar*.
- August 25 – Parton died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
- August 26 – Cyrus posted the tribute.
Data & Statistics
- Dolly Parton’s age at death: 80.
- Date of death: August 25.
- Cyrus’s age at tribute: 33.
- Grammy performance together: February 10 2019.
Official Statements & Responses
Parton’s representatives confirmed the cause of death as a brief battle with cancer. Bryan Seaver, her nephew and head of security, posted a video noting the loss was “peaceful.” Billy Ray Cyrus honored Parton on Instagram, recalling shared memories.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,” — Miley Cyrus.
- “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side,” — Miley Cyrus.
- “I’ve known her since she was a baby,” — Dolly Parton.
