Miley Cyrus Bursts Into Tears During Emotional Dolly Parton Tribute At Hollywood Bowl

Oct 21, 2026 by apost team

Miley Cyrus has always held a special place for Dolly Parton, but their bond went far beyond their shared love of music.

Parton, who died on Aug. 25 at age 80 following a battle with cancer, was Cyrus' godmother and a constant presence throughout her life. Their relationship began before Cyrus became a global pop star, thanks to Parton's longtime friendship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Born in 1992, Cyrus grew up with the country music legend as part of her family. As she rose to fame through Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," that connection became familiar to fans, too. Parton famously appeared on the series as Aunt Dolly, playing a glamorous and affectionate version of herself who shared a close relationship with Cyrus' character.

Their real-life bond was just as warm. Over the years, the two singers performed together and publicly expressed their admiration for one another, bringing together Parton's country roots and Cyrus' evolving pop sound. Their relationship gave fans a glimpse of a connection that had endured through many stages of Cyrus' career.

For Cyrus, Parton was not simply an entertainment icon she admired. She had known her since birth, watched her grow up and remained part of her life as she navigated fame and adulthood.

That history has made Parton's death especially painful for the singer. Even as fans remember the country legend for her unmistakable voice, songwriting and generosity, Cyrus is also mourning the loss of someone she considered family.

The singer recently took a moment to reflect on that relationship in front of an audience in Los Angeles. As she spoke about her godmother, Cyrus shared how deeply their connection still shapes her, even after her loss.

While the night was filled with memories of the woman she called "Aunt Dolly," one story stood out for its mix of humor, affection and a reminder that Parton always knew how to make her goddaughter feel special.

Cyrus recalled attending one of Parton's Hollywood Bowl concerts and asking her godmother if she could enjoy the show from the audience without being invited onstage. She wanted to experience the performance like any other fan, rather than become part of the night's entertainment.

Parton appeared to agree to the request, but she had another idea.

The country star opened her concert with "The Best of Both Worlds," the theme song from Cyrus' hit Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana." She then told the audience her famous goddaughter was sitting among them, much to Cyrus' embarrassment.

What may have felt mortifying at the time has since become a treasured memory. Looking back, Cyrus shared the story as an example of Parton's playful personality and the affection she always showed her.

The memory took on a new meaning as Cyrus paid tribute to her late godmother during a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Friday night. Speaking to the audience, the singer became emotional as she reflected on their connection.

"Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart," Cyrus told the crowd, according to video footage from the performance.

"And I'm going to see her again. And I can't f--king wait because I miss her," she added, wiping tears from her eyes with a tissue.

The audience included Selena Gomez and Christina Aguilera, who witnessed the heartfelt moment. Cyrus then launched into an emotional rendition of Parton's 1973 hit "Jolene," while an image of her beloved "Aunt Dolly" appeared behind her onstage.

Later in the concert, Cyrus honored Parton again by holding a heart-shaped framed photograph of the music icon.

Despite the loss, Cyrus told the audience she could still feel her godmother's presence. "I feel her more now than ever," she said.

For Cyrus, the tribute reminded her that the relationship she had cherished since childhood would remain part of her life, even as she learned to navigate a world without Parton.

apost.com

Are you a fan of Miley Cyrus or Dolly Parton? What do you think of Miley’s emotional tribute? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other Dolly Parton fans out there!

Please follow this link to watch the full video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ5pIFpapDg