Miley Cyrus Becomes Emotional Honoring Late Godmother Dolly Parton at Hollywood Bowl Concert
The singer shared a poignant tribute, recalling her bond with the country music legend and expressing how much she misses her.
Miley Cyrus was overcome with emotion during a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles Friday night as she paid tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton.
"Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart," Cyrus told the crowd, her voice thick with tears. "And I’m going to see her again. And I can’t f–king wait because I miss her."
The "Flowers" singer's heartfelt moment occurred as she reflected on her profound connection with the country music icon, who died in August at the age of 80. Cyrus then performed an emotional rendition of Parton's 1973 hit "Jolene," with an image of Parton displayed behind her onstage.
Cyrus also recounted a humorous memory of the only time she witnessed Parton perform live as an audience member. Despite Parton's initial agreement to let her enjoy the show as a regular fan, the "9 to 5" singer unexpectedly launched into "The Best of Both Worlds," the theme song from Cyrus's hit Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana," much to a young Cyrus's embarrassment. Parton then announced her goddaughter's presence to the audience.
Looking back, Cyrus expressed that she now cherishes the memory and feels Parton's presence more strongly than ever. She later held a heart-shaped framed photo of Parton while continuing her performance.
Parton, a longtime friend of Cyrus's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, became the pop star's godmother at her birth in 1992. The two maintained a close relationship, often performing together and publicly expressing their admiration for one another. Parton also made a memorable appearance as "Aunt Dolly" on "Hannah Montana."