Billy Ray Cyrus is remembering Dolly Parton with an emotional tribute that perfectly captures the country icon’s humor, warmth and ability to handle tabloid attention. Following Parton’s death at age 80, Cyrus shared a collection of photographs documenting their decades-long friendship, including moments with his daughter and Parton’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer also revealed that Parton had recently sent him a personal message expressing how deeply she loved him.
Cyrus began his Instagram tribute by reflecting on how difficult it was to choose just one memory from their friendship. “I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” Cyrus wrote alongside photographs of the pair throughout the years.
The carousel opened with a photo of Billy Ray, Parton and Miley Cyrus smiling together at a MusiCares event. Another black-and-white image captured a younger Billy Ray posing with Parton inside a recording studio, while a more recent photograph showed the longtime friends seated beside each other at an event. Cyrus also included a nostalgic image from their early musical collaboration, showing Parton performing alongside him in the “Romeo” music video.
Dolly Parton Had A Hilarious Reaction To Affair Rumors
Cyrus recalled one particularly unforgettable interaction from 1992, when tabloid stories falsely linked him romantically to Parton. Rather than allowing the rumors to affect their friendship, Parton responded with the wit that became one of her trademarks.
“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked, and said, “Honey, this trash sells records!”” Cyrus shared.
The moment reportedly unfolded during the same period that Cyrus was experiencing his rapid rise to fame following the release of “Achy Breaky Heart.”
The Country Singers Collaborated On ‘Romeo’
Parton and Cyrus turned their friendship into a musical collaboration the following year. Cyrus appeared on “Romeo,” a song from Parton’s 1993 album “Slow Dancing with the Moon.” The recording also featured Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea and Tanya Tucker.
According to Parton’s official website, the album reached No. 4 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 16 on the Billboard 200. “Romeo” also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Collaboration.
Their Friendship Extended To Miley Cyrus
Parton’s bond with Billy Ray eventually grew to include his daughter Miley, who affectionately called the singer “Aunt Dolly.” Billy Ray named Parton Miley’s honorary godmother, creating a relationship that became one of the most recognizable mentorships in entertainment.
Parton later appeared on Miley’s Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana” as Aunt Dolly, the godmother of Miley Stewart and a close friend of the fictional Stewart family.
Away from television, Parton continued to advise Miley as she moved from child stardom to an adult music career. The two women also performed together and collaborated on several songs over the years.
Dolly Parton Sent Billy Ray Cyrus A Final Message
Cyrus concluded his tribute by revealing that he had received a deeply personal message from Parton shortly before her death. “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will,” he wrote. His choice of words also served as a touching reference to Parton’s enduring song “I Will Always Love You.”
Cyrus did not disclose when Parton sent the message or provide further details about its contents. However, the revelation showed that their friendship remained strong more than three decades after the tabloid rumors first brought them unwanted attention.
Billy Ray Cyrus Celebrates Dolly Parton’s Enduring Legacy
Parton’s death was announced on August 25 by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who shared a video on behalf of the Parton and Owens families. The singer leaves behind a career filled with landmark recordings, film roles, business achievements and philanthropic work.
She earned 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” became enduring pieces of American music.
Parton also helped provide millions of free books to children through her Imagination Library and created an entertainment destination rooted in her East Tennessee upbringing through Dollywood.
