Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus share one of Hollywood’s sweetest godmother-goddaughter relationships. From their early family connection to Dolly’s career guidance and her push for Miley’s 2024 Grammys performance, here’s a deep look at their lifelong bond.
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus: Inside One of Hollywood’s Sweetest Bonds
Few relationships in entertainment are as heartwarming and enduring as the one between Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus. Their connection goes far beyond a typical show-business friendship. It’s a decades-long bond that began before Miley ever took her first breath and has grown into one of the most cherished godmother-goddaughter relationships in the industry. With a foundation built on love, guidance, and mutual respect, the duo continues to inspire fans with their genuine affection for one another.
A Friendship That Started Before Miley Was Born
Dolly Parton became connected to the Cyrus family long before Miley rose to stardom. In the early 1990s, Billy Ray Cyrus scored his breakout success with “Achy Breaky Heart” and began touring with Parton as her opening act. The two quickly formed a deep friendship, one strong enough for Billy Ray to approach Dolly with a heartfelt request.
When Miley was born, Billy Ray asked the country legend to become his daughter’s godmother. Dolly gladly accepted the role.
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“I’m her honorary godmother,” Dolly said in 2009. “I’ve known her since she was a baby. Her father’s a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother.’ I said, ‘I accept.’ We never did a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her. She’s just like one of my own.”
Billy Ray later added that the connection between Parton and Miley was instant. “You could feel it from the second they met,” he said. “It was like kindred spirits—two peas in a pod.”
A Guiding Force Throughout Miley’s Career
As Miley transitioned from a child star into an adult artist, her godmother became a steady source of support. Dolly has always been known for offering wisdom in a gentle, thoughtful way—not as commands, but as guidance.
Miley once shared a piece of advice that stuck with her:
“Dolly told me, ‘You do you, I’ll do me, and together we’ll be us.’ She said we all need to be ourselves.”
That message became a cornerstone in Miley’s journey, especially as she navigated the pressures of fame.
Parton also appeared in several episodes of Hannah Montana, playing “Aunt Dolly,” which allowed a new generation of young fans to discover her. Dolly later said the experience touched her deeply.
“You really helped my career,” she told Miley. “You introduced me to a whole new set of fans—young ones!”
It was a full-circle moment that showed how much they’ve influenced each other’s lives.
Dolly’s Push That Helped Miley Shine at the Grammys
One of the most powerful examples of Dolly’s influence came when Miley was invited to perform at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Miley—nominated for her smash hit “Flowers”—wanted to make the right decision and turned to the person she trusted most.
She called Dolly.
“I told her, ‘I’m wondering if I’m going to do the Grammys or not,’” Miley recalled. Dolly didn’t hesitate:
“‘Of course you’re gonna do the Grammys. And you’re not just gonna show up—you’re gonna show off.’”
Dolly reminded Miley not to forget the glamorous details—the hair, the makeup, the presence. But she also made something very clear.
“She wasn’t telling me to be Dolly,” Miley said. “She was telling me to be me.”
Dolly’s words became an empowering push, helping Miley deliver one of her most celebrated performances.
More Than Godmother and Goddaughter—they’re Family
Their bond goes much deeper than show-business mentorship. In fact, genealogical research once revealed that Miley and Dolly are actually distant seventh cousins, connected through a shared ancestor named John Brickey. Though the relation is distant, it only adds another layer to their already strong bond.
Despite never having children of her own, Parton has often said she considers Miley like a daughter. Over the years, she has supported Miley not just professionally, but emotionally—celebrating her victories and standing by her during challenging moments.
One of the most touching examples came on Mother’s Day. Miley shared that Dolly sent her a heartfelt message that brought her to tears:
“Dolly wrote to me to say: ‘How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach.’”
For Miley, these words meant the world. “It gets me choked up,” she said. “I just love her so much.”
A Legacy of Love, Support, and Inspiration
The relationship between Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus stands as a beautiful reminder of what family—chosen or otherwise—can look like. Their bond blends mentorship, friendship, music, and unconditional love. And while both stars have built massive careers, their connection remains grounded, sincere, and filled with mutual admiration.
Dolly has provided Miley with wisdom drawn from more than six decades in the music business. Miley, in turn, has brought joy, pride, and renewed purpose into Dolly’s life. Together, they represent two generations of powerhouse women who continue to uplift one another.
In an industry often known for fleeting relationships, theirs is a refreshing story—a reminder that the best bonds are the ones nurtured with time, trust, and genuine affection. Whether they’re performing together, supporting each other behind the scenes, or sharing heartfelt messages, Dolly and Miley prove that family isn’t defined only by blood—it’s defined by love.
