The recent passing of country music legend Dolly Parton on August 25th at the age of 80 carries a notable connection for her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. This date has historically held personal and professional significance for the pop star, as she revealed in 2023.
Cyrus explained in her ABC special "Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)" that she chose August 25th to release one of her major singles, "Used to Be Young," because of its historical importance to her. The country music icon's death on this date further underscores its resonance for Cyrus.
This particular date has marked several significant moments for Cyrus. On August 25, 2010, she and Liam Hemsworth reportedly ended their relationship. Three years later, on August 25, 2013, her hit song "Wrecking Ball" was released, and she delivered a memorable performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on the same day. August 25th also marks the birthday of Cyrus's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who asked Parton to be Miley's godmother in 1992.
Parton and Cyrus shared a deep bond that extended beyond family. They collaborated professionally on multiple occasions, including a performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards and co-hosting NBC's "Miley's New Year's Eve Party" in 2023. Parton had described co-hosting the New Year's Eve special as the "thrill of [her] life," recalling the emotional impact of singing "I Will Always Love You" with Cyrus.
Parton also made on-screen appearances as "Aunt Dolly" on Cyrus's Disney show "Hannah Montana." Although Parton did not have children, Cyrus has often viewed her as a maternal figure, telling W Magazine in 2024 that Parton had been "like a mother" to her. Parton, in turn, expressed her deep affection for Cyrus, sending her a Mother's Day message stating, "How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach."
At the time of this report, Cyrus had not yet publicly commented on the death of her godmother. Parton died following a private battle with cancer.