Billy Ray Cyrus Remembers Dolly Parton’s Wit and Final Message

The singer, who rose to fame alongside Parton in the early 1990s, shared on Instagram that he once entered Parton’s dressing room in 1992 to apologize for sensationalist headlines linking them romantically. Parton, unfazed by the gossip, simply told him, “Honey, this trash sells records!” This moment of levity became a cornerstone of their friendship, which eventually expanded to include Cyrus’s daughter, Miley, for whom Parton served as an honorary godmother. Their professional connection flourished as well, most notably on the 1993 track “Romeo,” which earned a Grammy nomination and solidified their place in country music history.

Cyrus revealed that their connection remained intimate until the very end. Shortly before her death at age 80, Parton sent him a final, personal message expressing that she loved him “with her whole heart.” In his tribute, Cyrus mirrored her sentiment, borrowing a line from her iconic ballad to state he would always love her the same way. The tribute follows the announcement of Parton's passing on August 25, marking the end of a career that spanned monumental chart success, philanthropic initiatives like the Imagination Library, and an enduring influence on American culture.