Miley Cyrus breaks silence on Dolly Parton's death
Miley Cyrus has shared a heartfelt tribute in response to the news of Dolly Parton's passing.
The 'Jolene' singer passed away on Tuesday (25 August), surrounded by her loved ones, as per a statement shared by her representatives.
They confirmed that Parton had died, aged 80, following a 'brief battle' with cancer, having been admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville the Thursday prior.
On Wednesday (26 August), Miley, who is her goddaughter, wrote on Instagram: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
Advert
"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."
She continued: "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."
Several tributes from other A-Listers have since poured in, including from fellow country music star Billy Ray Cyrus, who selected Parton to be his daughter Miley's godmother when the Hannah Montana star was a child.
Billy wrote: "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 TVs, right in our living rooms.
"Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart."
He concluded: "I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will."
Billy and Parton became close while touring together to promote the former's hit single 'Achy Breaky Heart' in 1992 - the same year Miley was born.
"We just got to be good friends because he’s a Kentucky boy, I’m from Tennessee," Parton once said. "And he said, 'We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!'
"And I said, 'Well, I’d be honoured'. So actually, Miley and I took over from there. We just stayed very, very close through the years."
Miley regularly credits the '9-5' singer with having inspired her to take the plunge into music when she was a child, an endeavour which paid off for the multi-Grammy-winning star.
Parton previously insisted, however, that while she's always there to lend the 'Flowers' chart-topper a hand, Miley deserved much more credit.
"Well, she’s asked me a lot of things," she said. "She mostly just runs things by me, and we talk. She’s very successful. Miley’s very smart. She’s very intuitive about the business, and I just think Miley’s a spectacular human being and an amazing talent."
Miley and Parton have collaborated professionally over the years, including for a joint performance of the former's 2013 banger 'Wrecking Ball', a version of which will feature on the latter's new rock album, 'Rockstar', due to be released in November.
A lyric was changed by Miley in the number to pay homage to Parton. While she originally sang, 'I can’t live a lie, running for my life / I will always want you', she'll now sing, 'I can’t live a lie, running for my life / I will always love you'.
Celebrating the collaboration, Miley recently tweeted: "I’ve grown up covering my Aunt Dolly’s music, and it’s an honour to hear her singing one of my songs. I love you, Aunt Dolly!
"I’m so happy to add another collaboration under our bedazzled (studded leather) belt! We’re ROCKSTARS now! You can hear so much sweetness and love on this record. Excited to share it with everyone.
"Forever your Doll Baby, Miley."
Some stars have since shared tributes of their own, including Paul McCartney, who hailed her songwriting and philanthropy as 'unrivalled in the world of country music'.
US President Donald Trump also wrote online: "This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
Rap star Eminem also described the chart-topper as a 'superstar in every sense'.
In a larger statement, Beyoncé wrote in a statement on her website: "Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship.
"I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever."
Topics: Miley Cyrus, Celebrity, US News, Entertainment, Music
Rhianna Benson