Country music legend Dolly Parton, 80, died on August 25, a date that holds profound personal and professional significance for her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.
Parton's death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, following a brief battle with cancer, according to representatives. She had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for autoimmune and kidney problems. "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," a statement from her representatives read. "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Cyrus, 33, shared a tribute on social media, writing, "I can't believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches." Parton, who became Cyrus's godmother in 1992, had a close bond with the singer, appearing alongside her in the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana" and collaborating musically.
August 25th Milestones
Miley Cyrus has previously spoken about August 25 being a personally significant date. In 2023, while promoting her song "Used to Be Young," she revealed that she chose the release date intentionally. "I decided to release Used To Be Young on August 25 because this particular date historically has been important to me personally and in my career," Cyrus stated. The lyrics of the song reflect on past experiences, with lines such as: "I know I used to be crazy / I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild / I say I used to be young."
The date has marked several pivotal moments in Cyrus's life and career. In 2010, news broke of her split from Liam Hemsworth. The couple had an on-again, off-again relationship, and Liam Hemsworth officially filed for divorce on August 25, 2019.
On August 25, 2013, Cyrus released her hit single "Wrecking Ball," which became her first to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On the same day, she delivered a notable performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, which Cyrus later described as a turning point that helped her shed her child star image and grow as an artist. The performance also led to her dedicating subsequent efforts to helping homeless youth, a cause she championed the following year.
August 25 also marks the birthday of Cyrus's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who was born in 1961.