Miley Cyrus has broken her silence following the death of her godmother, Dolly Parton, sharing an emotional tribute to the woman she knew simply as “Aunt Dolly.”
The country music icon died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her death has prompted tributes from across the entertainment world, but for Miley, the loss was deeply personal.
In her heartfelt message, Miley reflected on the bond she shared with her godmother and long-time mentor, revealing that some of their most meaningful moments were ones the public never got to see.
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 and between our hearts.
Rather than focusing on the public image of the country music icon, Miley’s message reflected on the relationship they shared away from the cameras, concerts and decades of collaboration.
What Aunt Dolly would want
Even through the pain, Miley said she knew exactly what Dolly would want her to do: feel it, turn it into music and keep moving forward.
Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong.
She also spoke about the lasting presence her godmother will continue to have in her life.
I have an angel by my side. I always have.
Perhaps the most emotional part of Miley’s tribute was her promise to keep making Dolly proud.
I will always love her and want to make her proud.
More than a godmother
Their relationship stretched far beyond the titles of godmother and goddaughter.
Dolly was family, a mentor and a collaborator in Miley’s life, with the pair appearing together on “Hannah Montana,” sharing musical moments and later co-hosting “Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party.”
For the rest of the world, Dolly Parton was a music legend whose songs reached generations.
For Miley, she was Aunt Dolly.
And her tribute made one thing clear: even after losing her godmother, Miley intends to carry that bond, and the lessons that came with it, with her.