Jason Earles is mourning Dolly Parton while reflecting on the special connection they shared through “Hannah Montana.” Following the country music legend’s death at age 80, Earles posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a throwback photograph of himself posing with Parton during their time on the Disney Channel series. Although Parton played “Aunt Dolly” on television, Earles explained that her warmth made the affectionate title feel real to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Earles shared his memories of Parton in an Instagram post uploaded shortly after news of her death was announced. “I’m thinking about every wonderful thing I’ve ever heard about Dolly,” he began. “All her success, every personal story, all the posts people have made today in tribute…and all together, it barely scratches the surface of what a wonderful person she was.”
Earles continued, “I’m so grateful I got to call her Aunt Dolly on the show. But the truth is, no matter who you were, she always made you feel like family. I was a fan my whole life and I’ll always cherish the little time I got to spend with her. My love to everyone else out there who’s feeling the loss of our Aunt Dolly.”
The accompanying photograph showed Parton smiling with her arm around the actor, who played Miley Stewart’s older brother, Jackson Stewart, on “Hannah Montana.”
Dolly Parton Played ‘Aunt Dolly’ On ‘Hannah Montana’
Parton made several memorable appearances on “Hannah Montana” as Aunt Dolly, the godmother of Miley Stewart and a longtime friend of the Stewart family. The role drew inspiration from Parton’s real-life relationship with Miley Cyrus.
Parton first appeared in the Season 1 episode “Good Golly, Miss Dolly,” which aired in September 2006. In the episode, Aunt Dolly became involved in Miley’s attempt to recover a revealing videotape about her feelings for Jake Ryan.
She later returned for the Season 2 episode “I Will Always Loathe You.” The episode brought Aunt Dolly together with Miley and Jackson’s grandmother, Mamaw Ruthie, played by Vicki Lawrence. The title referenced Parton’s classic song “I Will Always Love You” with a fun twist about the rivalry between the two characters.
Dolly Parton’s Television Family Joins Fans In Mourning
Parton died on August 25. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in a video posted on behalf of the Parton and Owens family. “Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next,” he said.
He added, “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
A spokesperson for Parton’s estate later confirmed the cause of death, telling PEOPLE, “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Dolly Parton Faced Several Health Scares Before Her Death
Earles’ tribute comes after Parton experienced several health setbacks during the final year of her life. The country legend postponed her Las Vegas residency in October 2025 after doctors advised her to undergo medical procedures. She later canceled the shows entirely when her condition prevented her from returning to a performance level.
Earlier this month, Parton was also forced to miss the opening of Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition after experiencing dizziness and dehydration. Although she could not attend in person, she appeared virtually and reassured fans that she was continuing to work.
Parton later acknowledged that she had neglected her own health while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025.
She was admitted to the hospital on August 21, just four days before her death. The reason for her hospitalization was not initially disclosed.
Dolly Parton Leaves Behind An Unmatched Legacy
Parton’s legacy reaches far beyond her memorable role as “Aunt Dolly” on “Hannah Montana.” During her decades-long career, the Tennessee native became one of country music’s most successful and influential artists, creating enduring hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton earned 11 Grammy Awards, received Kennedy Center Honors and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She also found success as an actress, businesswoman and the creative force behind Dollywood.
Her impact was equally profound outside entertainment. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she helped provide millions of free books to children around the world.
