Singer Miley Cyrus has opened up with a heartfelt tribute to her godmother Dolly Parton following her death this week.
The two singer-songwriters always had an extremely close relationship but learned later in life they were also distantly related cousins.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: World mourns Dolly Parton
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Miley shared two social media posts earlier in the week mourning the Queen of Country, but shared deeper insight into their bond and final moments together in a longer tribute post on Thursday.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” she wrote.
“Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour and between our hearts. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have.
“One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. “I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply.
“We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Dolly and Miley shared stages, television sets, and covered each others’ songs, in addition to their rich personal friendship.
Miley often referred to Dolly as her “Fairy Godmother” but Parton, who had no children of her own, accepted the symbolic motherly role before Miley was born.
Miley’s father Billy Ray Cyrus asked Parton to be his daughter’s godmother when the country singers toured together in 1992, and Parton said she would be “honoured” to.
Billy Ray shared his own tribute to his longtime friend on Wednesday.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly Parton, it’s hard to know where to start,” Billy Ray said.
“Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms.
“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologise 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!’
“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.”
Parton died aged 80, after a brief battle with cancer.
She was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday and died four days later, surrounded by loved ones.
The type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Parton had reportedly also been dealing with kidney and autoimmune health issues before her death.
She also fought to find a cure for breast cancer in recent years, and was awarded for her efforts in 2023, when international breast cancer organisation Susan G. Komen handed her the 2023 Promise Award for her generosity and advocacy.
“She was a true friend and a staunch breast cancer advocate. Dolly is a legend whose generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed,” Komen said on Wednesday.
Parton leaves behind an impressive legacy,rising from extreme poverty as a child in the mountains of East Tennessee, to become a philanthropist and one of the world’s most beloved musicians.
