Miley Cyrus became emotional while remembering her late godmother, Dolly Parton, during a heartfelt performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The singer paid tribute to the country music legend on October 16, sharing a deeply personal memory that reminded fans just how special their bond was.

Miley Cyrus remembers a special night with Dolly Parton

During Friday’s concert, Cyrus, 33, introduced a performance of Parton’s classic hit “Jolene” by recalling the only time she had watched her godmother perform live at the iconic venue.

Cyrus explained that Parton had offered to bring her onstage that night, but she wanted to experience the show from the audience’s perspective instead. Parton agreed, although Cyrus suspected her godmother had a surprise planned.

Her instincts were right. Parton opened the show with “The Best of Both Worlds,” the theme song from Cyrus’ Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, before revealing to the audience that her goddaughter was watching alongside them.

Looking back on the memory, Cyrus said she now feels Parton’s presence more strongly than ever.

“Like so many things Dolly did, that I didn’t understand it at the time, sitting here with you all right now, feeling her all around me, knowing that she’s right here beside me everyday, all the time, more than she could be when she was here,” Cyrus told the audience. “I feel her, now more than ever.”

She described the memory as precious before delivering an emotional message about their enduring connection.

“Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could tear us apart,” she said through tears. “And I’m gonna see her again. I can’t f—ing wait because I miss her.”

A bond that went far beyond music

Parton was a longtime family friend who became Cyrus’ godmother after bonding with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, during tours in the 1990s. Billy Ray and his then-wife, Tish Cyrus, asked Parton to take on the role after Miley was born in 1992.

Over the years, their relationship grew into a close personal and professional connection. Parton affectionately became known as “Aunt Dolly” to Cyrus and even played her fairy godmother on Hannah Montana, appearing in three episodes between 2006 and 2010.

The pair also collaborated musically. In 2023, they recorded a new version of Cyrus’ hit “Wrecking Ball” for Parton’s album Rockstar.

During the Hollywood Bowl concert, Cyrus also performed “Wrecking Ball” while holding a photograph of Parton inside a heart-shaped frame. She told the crowd that the song was her godmother’s favorite from her own catalog, explaining why she wanted to bring the memory of Parton onto the stage with her.

Cyrus even joked during “Jolene” that Parton might have disapproved of her swearing, imagining what her godmother would have said about hearing the language while she was still alive.

Miley’s heartfelt tribute to her late godmother

Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Following her death, Cyrus shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram, explaining that some of their most meaningful moments would remain private.

She also reflected on one of their final conversations, which centered on music and personal transformation.

Cyrus said Parton would have wanted her to feel her emotions, turn them into music and continue moving forward with strength. She described her godmother as an angel who had always been by her side.

The Hollywood Bowl tribute offered another glimpse into a relationship built on love, mentorship and music. Through tears and familiar songs, Cyrus made it clear that although Parton is no longer physically present, the influence she had on her goddaughter remains deeply felt.

Source: Compiled from various sources