Jump directly to the content
AUNT DOLLY

Is Dolly Parton related to Miley Cyrus?

Plus, more on what they've said about each other over the years

ONE is a country music legend, and another is a pop star known for her life as a former Disney star.

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are incredibly close, and some fans are wondering if they are related.

Dolly Parton has been a musical influence and mentor to Miley for years
2
Dolly Parton has been a musical influence and mentor to Miley for years

Is Dolly Parton related to Miley Cyrus?

Dolly Parton is the godmother of pop star Miley Cyrus.

The superstar singer has been present in her life since she was born, with the pop star regarding her as “Aunt Dolly” despite not having blood ties to one another.

When Miley was doing Hannah Montana on the Disney channel, Dolly made a special appearance in an episode playing her aunt in the series.

Dolly confessed to that she loves Miley like “one of her own,” saying: “I've known her since she was a baby. Her father's a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’ 

Adding: "We never did do a big ceremony, but I'm so proud of her, love her and she's just like one of my own."

How did Dolly Parton meet Miley Cyrus' father, Billy Ray Cyrus?

Miley was born the same year her father, Billy Ray Cyrus’ song Achy Breaky Heart, was released while he was touring with Dolly in the 1990s.

He said: “When I was on her tour, there was a headline that she and I were romantically involved.

“Dolly looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘Honey, that s**t sells records!’ I love Dolly. I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without her.”

What have the two stars said about each other?

Miley has always spoken fondly of Dolly in interviews.

Dolly Parton says she had complete faith in god daughter Miley Cyrus

Cyrus said Parton is a "living fantasy" in her profile for her godmother's nomination as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2021.

She said: "She's also the world's most impeccably purposeful walking contradiction, having developed her iconic look after being inspired by the town tramp.

"Now she's known as a saintly, even godlike, figure."

Speaking with  on June 3, 2024, Miley gave fans insight into her relationship with Dolly.

"Dolly's been like a mother to me," she told the outlet. "Actually, I was just reading this fax that she sent me two Mother's Days ago.

"Dolly wrote to me to say: 'How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach.'

"It gets me choked up. I just love her so much."

In January 2022, Dolly spoke with to speak about her goddaughter's past in the media.

Dolly said: "Everybody says, 'Do you give Miley advice.'

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus have a very close bond
2
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus have a very close bondCredit: Getty

"I say, 'Nobody gives Miley advice.' She's headstrong as I am but we both respect each other and we share things.

"And if I feel like I've got something to say to her like a mother or an aunt or a godmother, I will say something or ask her a question about this or that or ask her a question even concerning my own career because I want to stay involved and important in the business for as long as I live."

Does Dolly Parton have children?

Dolly never had children of her own, making Miley her honorary daughter.

The two have performed together many times on stage, with Miley and her doing a duet of Dolly’s song Jolene back in 2017.

In 2023, Dolly and Miley rang in the new year together for Miley's New Year's Eve Party.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

That same year, on November 17, Dolly released her 49th studio album, Rockstar.

The album included a remake of Miley's hit song, Wrecking Ball, featuring the two award-winning singers.

Topics