Miley Cyrus was seen publicly for the first time since the death of her godmother, country music icon Dolly Parton, who passed away last week at the age of 80. Cyrus, 33, appeared somber as she was spotted with her boyfriend, musician Maxx Morando, during a lunch outing in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Parton, who had been a personal and professional mentor to Cyrus throughout her life, died on Tuesday, August 25. The "Flowers" singer shared a heartfelt tribute to her godmother on Instagram the following Wednesday, expressing the profound grief of her loss. "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share," Cyrus wrote to her 205 million followers. "Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts."
Despite keeping some moments private, Cyrus acknowledged Parton's wishes for her to continue her work and find strength. "What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong," she continued. "I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. I will always love her and want to make her proud."
Parton and Cyrus shared a deep bond that began when Parton became Cyrus's godmother shortly after her birth, a role she embraced with pride. "I've known her since she was a baby," Parton said in a 2009 interview. "Her father's a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, 'You just have to be her godmother,' and I said, 'I accept.' We never did do a big ceremony, but I'm so proud of her, love her. And she's just like one of my own."
Their connection extended beyond family ties, with Parton making a guest appearance on Cyrus's Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana" in 2006. Parton had high praise for Cyrus's talent even then, telling AOL Music in 2008, "She writes songs like she's 40 years old! She's really deep." Parton predicted a significant career for Cyrus, stating, "I think she's gonna have a big career after that show is off the air. I know I'm partial, because she's my goddaughter. But I'm amazed at the talent that child has and the effect she has on people."
Cyrus has often spoken about the career and life advice received from her godmother. She recalled Parton's advice to "promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no," a strategy Cyrus sometimes employed, believing it to be sound guidance.
The musical collaborations between Cyrus and Parton were numerous. Parton lent her voice to Cyrus's 2023 rock album "Rockstar," covering the 2013 hit "Wrecking Ball." Parton expressed her honor in participating, stating, "I just felt honored. I love that song, and I love Miley, and when I started to choose all these people for my record, or songs that I wanted to do, I thought, ‘I have to have Miley.'" The duo also worked together on Cyrus's 2017 track "Rainbowland" from her "Younger Now" album.
Cyrus also paid tribute to Parton by covering her 1973 classic "Jolene" during a 2012 performance, which gained significant viral attention. They performed "Jolene" together on multiple occasions, including a Hallmark special in 2010, on "The Voice" in 2016, and at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Parton was hospitalized on Friday at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center with autoimmune and kidney issues. Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video. Seaver remembered his aunt as someone who "lived in the light" and was now "in the arms of Jesus."
Parton's illustrious career spanned six decades, and she was celebrated for her iconic hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Her passing followed months of declining health that had led her to withdraw from public appearances, raising concerns among fans.