Miley Cyrus Cries Remembering Dolly Parton At Hollywood Bowl; Honours Godmother With Jolene Performance

Miley Cyrus paid an emotional tribute to her late godmother, country music legend Dolly Parton, during her Hollywood Bowl concert on Friday, October 16. The singer became tearful as she remembered their special bond before performing Parton's iconic hit Jolene. Recalling a memorable concert experience with her godmother, Miley shared how the moment had become a treasured memory. She also spoke about feeling Parton's presence more than ever, declaring that "nothing in this life could ever tear us apart". Later, Miley performed Wrecking Ball while holding a framed photograph of Parton, honouring the woman she lovingly called Aunt Dolly.

Miley Cyrus Gets Emotional Remembering Dolly Parton At Hollywood Bowl

Miley Cyrus became emotional while remembering the country music legend and performed Parton's iconic song Jolene in her honour. Before beginning the performance, Miley recalled the only time she had watched Parton perform live at the historic venue. She shared that her godmother had wanted her to join her onstage, but Miley chose to experience the concert from the audience, just like Parton's fans.

Although Parton agreed to her request, Miley knew her godmother had a surprise planned. According to the singer, Parton opened the show with the Hannah Montana theme song The Best of Both Worlds before announcing to the audience that Miley was watching the performance with them.

Reflecting on the memory, Miley spoke about how her perspective on the moment had changed over time. "Like so many things Dolly did, that I didn't understand it at the time, sitting here with you all right now, feeling her all around me, knowing that she's right here beside me everyday, all the time, more than she could be when she was here. I feel her, now more than ever," Miley told the audience.

She added, "Knowing that I get to share this story with you all, it makes that night very worth it. This memory is gold to me." The singer, visibly emotional, went on to describe the enduring bond she shared with her godmother. "Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could tear us apart," Miley said through tears. "And I'm gonna see her again. I can't f***ing wait because I miss her. Some of the greatest music that we have today was written, produced and performed by my Aunt Dolly."

Miley Cyrus Jokes About Using The F-Word During Tribute

Despite the emotional moment, Miley also shared a lighthearted exchange with the audience during her performance of Jolene. The singer joked that Parton would not have approved of her using profanity onstage. "I'm feeling bad that she heard me say the F word," Miley said between lyrics. "I can hear her telling me, 'You said that when I was here.'"

Later in the concert, Miley performed her hit Wrecking Ball while holding a photograph of Dolly Parton inside a heart-shaped frame. She explained why she wanted to bring her godmother's picture to the stage.

"That's her favourite song of mine, so I had to bring her with me," Miley told the audience.

Miley Cyrus And Dolly Parton's Special Bond

Miley shared a close relationship with Parton from birth. The country music icon had been friends with Miley's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, for years after the two bonded while touring together in the 1990s. Billy Ray and his then-wife, Tish Cyrus, eventually asked Parton to become Miley's godmother after her birth in 1992.

Over the years, the pair collaborated on several musical projects, with Miley affectionately referring to Parton as "Aunt Dolly". Parton also appeared on Miley's Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana, playing her recurring fairy godmother in three episodes between 2006 and 2010. In 2023, the duo collaborated on a new version of Miley's 2013 hit Wrecking Ball for Parton's album Rockstar.