Country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a short battle with cancer, according to a statement given to CNN by publicist Marcel Pariseau. Parton’s death prompted global tributes, including a deeply personal statement from her longtime goddaughter and collaborator, Miley Cyrus, who shared her grief on social media the following morning.
Miley Cyrus Remembers Dolly Parton and Private Bonds
Miley Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother and mentor on Instagram, describing the loss as a private grief that surpasses public sharing. “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” Cyrus wrote, noting that their most sacred moments took place behind the scenes and away from the glamour of the entertainment industry. Parton had known Cyrus since infancy, officially becoming her godmother after forging a close friendship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, in the early 1990s. According to Parton’s past remarks cited by Good Morning America, she accepted the role immediately when Billy Ray made the request, later stating that Cyrus was “like one of my own.”
Decades of Creative Collaboration and Mentorship
The bond between Parton and Cyrus extended far beyond a familial title into an extensive musical and television partnership. Parton famously portrayed “Aunt Dolly” on multiple episodes of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana across its four seasons. Together, the pair performed numerous times, including a 2010 appearance at the 25th anniversary of Dollywood to sing “Jolene,” a duet they reprised at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Their joint musical footprint also includes the 2017 track “Rainbowland” from Cyrus’s album Younger Now, Parton’s 2020 holiday album track, and a 2022 co-hosting gig for NBC’s Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party in Miami, where they performed “Wrecking Ball” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Billy Ray Cyrus and Family Statements on the Loss
Billy Ray Cyrus also shared an emotional tribute following the news, recalling the early days of their friendship and addressing historical tabloid rumors from 1992. Billy Ray recounted walking into Parton’s dressing room to apologize for press fabrication regarding an alleged affair, to which Parton reportedly winked and replied, “Honey, this trash sells records!” In his statement posted on the day of Parton’s passing—which coincided with his own 65th birthday—Billy Ray noted that Parton had recently sent him a message expressing her love “with her whole heart.” Parton’s nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, officially delivered the initial death announcement on social media.
Global Tributes and Public Memorials
Public figures and institutions worldwide marked Parton’s passing through tributes and memorials. President Donald Trump announced that flags across the United States would be lowered to half-mast for a week in honor of the philanthropist and musician. In New York City, the Empire State Building was illuminated in glittering pink on the evening of August 25. Meanwhile, Parton’s family requested that well-wishers direct contributions to her charitable foundation, the Imagination Library, in lieu of sending flowers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dolly Parton pass away?
Dolly Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a short battle with cancer, according to her publicist Marcel Pariseau.
How were Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus related?
Dolly Parton was Miley Cyrus’s godmother. Parton formed a close friendship with Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, in the early 1990s and became Miley’s godmother when she was an infant.
What musical projects did Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus work on together?
The pair collaborated on several songs and performances over the years, including “Rainbowland,” live renditions of “Jolene,” television appearances on Hannah Montana, and joint performances of “Wrecking Ball.”
What did Parton’s family request in lieu of flowers?
Parton’s family requested that donations be made to her charitable organization, the Imagination Library.
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