Miley Cyrus called her Aunt Dolly. The bond began in 1992, through Parton’s friendship with Billy Ray Cyrus, and over the years it grew into something bigger: Dolly played Miley’s fictional godmother in Hannah Montana, the series that defined her childhood in front of the cameras.
The day after her death, following many hours of silence, Miley wrote a few words on Instagram for her beloved aunt.
She said that losing her Aunt Dolly was something she didn’t know how to share, and that the most sacred moments between them would remain backstage, beneath the glitter, between their hearts.
But she did share one thing. One of her last conversations with Dolly was about music and metamorphosis.
“What I DO know is that Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about this, and then move on and be strong”, she wrote. “I have an angel by my side. I always have.” 💖
She ended with a promise: she will miss her, but she will make her proud. And that everyone who loved her will continue to see her in the most beautiful things. 💛
Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, at the age of 80, after a brief battle with cancer. The confirmation came from her own family: her nephew Brian Seaver announced the news in a video.