Singer Noah Cyrus has shared a personal tribute to Dolly Parton, her sister Miley Cyrus's godmother, who died Tuesday at the age of 80. Parton's team announced her death, stating it followed "a brief battle with cancer."
Noah Cyrus took to Instagram to post a message about Parton's legacy, accompanied by a series of photos spanning Parton's career. "Dolly was singular, one of a kind," Noah wrote. "dolly was a rainbow to our world for nearly six decades, and no one could ever come nor will ever come close to replacing her."
She continued, "Her impact on the world, and on me as an artist, is unparalleled. She was an angel among us who not only wrote songs that spoke to us all, but whose kindness, compassion, and empathy toward those who truly needed it were at the core of who dolly was."
Noah highlighted Parton's connection to her family, particularly Miley. "Her beautiful relationship with my family, especially my sister, is one i will be grateful for my entire life," she stated. "i am so grateful to her for inspiring me to be who i am, wear those wigs, have those long nails, to write my stories, and to heal people through music."
"I am heartbroken she is gone, but only physically," Noah added. "she came into this world, shared her light, and changed it forever. She will now live in our hearts, and her music will continue to be a friend when lonely, and to celebrate with happiness."
Miley Cyrus had posted her own tribute the day prior, describing the loss of her godmother as feeling "beyond what feels right to share." Miley recounted that some of their most sacred moments were private and would remain so, but emphasized Parton's enduring influence. "What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong," Miley wrote. "I have an angel by my side. I always have."
Parton and Miley Cyrus shared a lifelong bond. Parton, who was a close friend of Miley's father, agreed to be Miley's godmother shortly after her birth. Parton previously told Good Morning America in 2009, "I've known her since she was a baby." She added, "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.'"
Parton also expressed confidence in Miley's talent early on, making a guest appearance on Miley's Disney Channel series Hannah Montana in 2006. "The kids love her because she's Hannah Montana, but what people don't realize about her is she is such a fantastic singer and songwriter," Parton said in a 2008 interview. "She writes songs like she's 40 years old! She's really deep."
Parton's death followed hospitalization at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, starting Friday. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security, confirmed her death in an Instagram video, describing his aunt as having "lived in the light" and now being "in the arms of Jesus."
Parton, widely known as the Queen of Country, had a career spanning six decades and was celebrated for hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Her passing occurred after a period of declining health, which had led her to withdraw from public appearances and raised concerns among fans.
A private service for close friends and family is anticipated in Nashville in the coming days. Parton will be laid to rest in a bed of cotton, a wish she reportedly made for comfort after a life adorned with rhinestones, according to family insiders.