Miley Cyrus Breaks Down in Tears While Honoring Dolly Parton With “Jolene”
Miley Cyrus became emotional while honoring her late godmother, Dolly Parton, during her return to the stage at the Hollywood Bowl.
Cyrus paid tribute to Parton during her October 16 concert in Los Angeles, sharing a deeply personal memory before performing one of Dolly’s most iconic songs, “Jolene.”
Miley Cyrus Remembers Dolly Parton
Sitting on stage, Cyrus opened up about the special connection she shared with Dolly.
She told the audience that the only time she had ever seen Parton perform live was at the Hollywood Bowl.
Cyrus explained that Dolly had wanted her to join her onstage, but she decided she wanted to experience the concert as a fan.
That night, however, Parton still found a way to make Miley part of the show.
According to Cyrus, Dolly opened the concert by performing the theme song from Hannah Montana, the Disney series that helped make Miley a household name.
Parton then told the audience that Miley was watching from the crowd.
Looking back on that memory years later, Cyrus said she now understands some of Dolly’s actions in a completely different way.
“I feel her now, more than ever,” Cyrus told the audience.
“Me and Dolly, We Are Eternal”
As Miley continued talking about her godmother, she struggled to hold back her tears.
She described their connection as something that could never truly end.
“Me and Dolly, we are eternal,” Cyrus said, explaining that nothing in this life could tear them apart.
She also said she believes she will see Dolly again and shared how deeply she misses her.
The emotional moment came during Cyrus’ first major live performance in nearly four years.
The Hollywood Bowl concert marked an important return to the stage for the singer, but the tribute to Dolly became one of the most personal moments of the night.
Miley Sings “Jolene” for Dolly
Following her emotional speech, Cyrus performed Dolly Parton’s legendary country classic “Jolene.”
The crowd joined Miley during parts of the song as she performed the iconic track in memory of her godmother.
The performance carried an especially powerful meaning because “Jolene” was one of Parton’s signature songs and has remained one of the most recognizable songs in country music.
Parton’s image was also featured during the performance, making the tribute even more emotional for everyone inside the Hollywood Bowl.
For Miley, it was more than a performance. It was a personal goodbye to the woman she had known as her godmother and “Aunt Dolly.”
Dolly Parton’s Lasting Influence on Miley
Dolly Parton became Miley Cyrus’ godmother after developing a close friendship with Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
Their relationship continued throughout Miley’s childhood and career.
Parton later appeared as “Aunt Dolly” on Hannah Montana, introducing herself to a new generation of fans while maintaining her close relationship with Miley.
Following Dolly’s death on August 25, Miley also shared an emotional tribute online, calling Parton her angel and promising to continue making her proud.
Now, through “Jolene,” Miley has given fans another emotional reminder of the bond she shared with one of country music’s greatest legends.
Dolly may be gone, but for Miley Cyrus, their connection is clearly still very much alive.
