Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Grief Over Dolly Parton's Passing in Heartfelt Instagram Post

Miley Cyrus is processing the loss of one of the most important figures in her life. The pop star has opened up about her grief following Dolly Parton's passing last week.

Miley Cyrus is mourning her godmother, the late and beloved Dolly Parton. Following the news of her passing earlier this week, Cyrus took to social media on Wednesday, August 26, to bid the "Jolene" singer farewell.

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

"The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share," the singer began. "Our most sacred moments were private and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & 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. 🦋," she continued.

"I will always love her and want to make her proud," she added. "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. 💖."

The post drew an outpouring of supportive messages for Cyrus, who shared a close bond with Parton. "Been thinking about you since I heard the news. Love you very much," wrote "Firework" singer Katy Perry.

"Miley, I know this loss will be so hard for you. Dolly was a godmother to us all and we will all miss her 🕊️🤍 I am sending you the most love 🤍🕊️," added Donatella Versace.

Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80.

Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, was the first to break the news in a video announcement, followed by an official statement from her team later that day.

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," the statement read. Parton had been part of Cyrus' life since she was a baby.

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton during "Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas" in 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Cyrus' father, "Achy Breaky Heart" rocker Billy Ray Cyrus, toured with Parton in the 1990s and asked the "I Will Always Love You" singer to be his daughter's godmother before she was even born.

Cyrus' bond with Parton grew even stronger on the set of "Hannah Montana," where Parton played Miley Stewart's non-nonsense Aunt Dolly. "My favorite episodes are the ones with Dolly. That's how her and I became as close as we are," Cyrus told Variety during a March 2026 cover interview.

Beyond sharing the screen, the pair also graced the stage together numerous times for heartfelt duets.