Dolly Parton’s date of death has poignant significance for Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton (Getty Images)
The date of Dolly Parton‘s death carries a poignant significance for her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.
Parton’s representatives confirmed the country legend died on Tuesday, 25 August, aged 80, after a brief battle with cancer.
That same date has long held personal meaning for Cyrus, who deliberately chose it to release her 2023 hit “Used to Be Young”.
The date also marks the 2013 release of “Wrecking Ball” and the birthday of her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
It was through Billy Ray that the bond between Parton and Cyrus was formed. He and Parton became close friends in 1992, and she was chosen as Miley’s godmother when the singer was born.
“I’ve known her since she was a baby,” Parton said in 2009.
“When she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.'” She added: “She’s just like one of my own.”
Billy Ray led the tributes following Parton’s death, recalling their decades of friendship. “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he wrote. “I will always love her in the same way.”
Miley has not yet publicly commented.
Miley often spoke fondly of her godmother, telling Variety in March that she’d even picked up a “terrible habit” from her.
She said: “I actually think it was good advice,” adding: “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no.”
And Miley did just that, teasing a Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special before anything was even in development.
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