Miley Cyrus is opening up about her close relationship with Dolly Parton, saying the two felt “perfect for each other” despite their differences. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe on Sept. 17, Cyrus said Parton understood her in a way that helped shape how she viewed herself and her career, according to E! News.
Cyrus said Parton, who died Aug. 25 at age 80 after a private battle with cancer, showed her that someone can have a public persona while still remaining authentic. She connected that idea to her own experience growing up on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, saying much of her life has involved balancing image and identity.
The singer also talked about how she and Parton differed when it came to emotion on stage. Cyrus said she often cries during performances, while Parton encouraged her to keep going and let the audience do the crying instead, telling her that music is escapism and that she needed to get through the song.
Cyrus has continued to honor Parton in the days since her death, sharing that some of their most meaningful moments stayed private. She said Parton supported her during difficult times, including after her mother, Naomi Judd, died by suicide in 2022, and described her godmother as a steady source of love and strength.
