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Dolly Parton Shared How She Wanted to Be Remembered Before Death
Like many, Billy Ray Cyrus is nursing an achy breaky heart.
And that’s because the legendary Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, leaving behind a hole in the hearts of musicians and fans everywhere—especially within the Cyrus family, who were some of Dolly’s closest friends.
"I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start," Billy Ray wrote on Instagram Aug. 25. "Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms."
After growing close in Nashville and Hollywood, the pair kept in touch, with Billy Ray sharing that he received a touching note from the Grammy winner before her passing.
"Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart," he wrote. "I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will."
He also remembered Dolly for her signature humor, recalling one instance in 1992 when she joked about affair rumors between them.
"I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her," he added. "In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'"
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Not only did she and Billy Ray maintain a close friendship since the early ‘90s when “Achy Breaky Heart” launched him to a new level of fame, but he also asked the Queen of Country to act as his daughter Miley Cyrus’ godmother upon her birth in 1992.
For Billy Ray, seeing the bond that developed between his daughter and Dolly was a great joy of his life.
"Her and Miley actually just fell in love,” he said on AXS TV in October. "Like it was kindred spirits. That sounds silly, but they were absolute. You could just feel it from the second they met. It was two peas in a pod."
Indeed, Dolly was so much more than a loving godmother and musical collaborator—she was also a constant, aspirational beacon for the Hannah Montana star.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
“Dolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable career—she’s also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values,” Miley wrote when Dolly was named to TIME’s 100 Most Inspirational People list in 2021. “At her core, she is the definition of a humanitarian.”
Indeed, while Dolly became known for her sparkling style and towering blonde hair, Miley emphasized how the “9 to 5” singer’s impact was felt far beyond the musical world.
“Though she created an identity that she downplays as being built on wigs, lots of gingham and silicone, the foundation for this empire is actually her honesty, truth and her faith,” the Grammy winner added. “People look to Dolly for guidance, and she knows that. She wears that responsibility with the same grace and pride she rocks a two-piece Nudie suit.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
As Miley added, “She recognizes how impactful her choices will be as one of the most iconic and powerful voices in country music, and she leaves no one behind.”
And best of all, the Disney Channel alum said Dolly, who also made guest appearances on Hannah Montana as a fictional version of herself, lives up to every expectation.
“There’s a theory that you shouldn’t meet your heroes, but I wish everyone had the chance to meet Dolly Parton,” Miley added. “Because she’s even better than your sparkliest dreams. She may be my fairy godmother, but I think she’s that to everyone else too. I am happy to share her with the world.”
For a closer look at the many tributes that have poured in celebrating the life and legacy of the country icon, keep reading…
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Reba McEntire
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” the country singer began in her tribute to Parton. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth.”
“Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you,” she added alongside several photos of the two. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly.”
McEntire continued, “She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
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Sally Field
Parton’s Steel Magnolias costar posted a throwback photo of the cast to Instagram, writing in the caption, “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”
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Keith Urban
“Hearbroken today. Dolly Parton,” the “Somebody Like You” singer posted to Instagram Stories. “Honestly....I have no words right now.”
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Kelly Clarkson
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” the “Because of You” singer lamented on X. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Julia Roberts
“Dolly was a magical and joyous human,” Roberts shared of her Steel Magnolias costar in a statement to Variety. “I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
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Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today,” the country singer wrote on X. “I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen [Stefani] and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
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Khloe Kardashian
The Kardashians star posted a series of tributes to Parton on her Instagram Story, including a look at her Dolly Parton-themed birthday party.
"Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people,” Kardashian wrote. “A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.”
She continued, “To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name... I will never have words big enough for what that means to me. What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly."
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Noah Kahan
The “Stick Season” singer shared a sweet tribute to Parton on X, writing, “Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Kacey Musgraves
“Dolly. This really really hurts,” the “Rainbow” singer posted to X, adding in a followup, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
“So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” she continued, referencing Parton's late husband who died in March 2025. “No one talk to me today.”
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Kathie Lee Gifford
“I am completely devastated by the loss of my precious friend, Dolly. She encouraged me and loved me every day I needed it. That is what I remember most,” the TV personality posted to X. “I wish more people in this world would live like Dolly did. To just be kind and loving and steadfast . I will miss her for the rest of my life.”
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Shaboozey
“Rest in peace Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you,” the Grammy winner wrote on X. “You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.”
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Joan Jett
“Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius,” Jett shared on X, recalling the time she and Parton collaborated on the song "I Hate Myself For Loving You" for Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar. “Working with her was one of the highlights of my career.”
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Gene Simmons
“Very, very sad,” the KISS singer said of Parton’s passing. “She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her. There will never be another Dolly.”
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Henry Winkler
“What a sad day for America, what a sad day for the world, what a sad day for the Parton family,” the Happy Days alum posted to X. “Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
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Colman Domingo
“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness,” the Oscar nominee shared on social media. “What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her.”
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Paris Hilton
"Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton’s passing,” the Simple Life star wrote with a photo of the two. “She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me. Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it. Sending all my love to her family, friends and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Dolly.”
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Josh Gad
“This one just hurts too much,” the Frozen star lamented. “We have already lost too many of our 20th century musical greats, but today we lost one of our all—time-greats. F--k off 2026. We’re done. RIP Dolly. You are loved.”
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Cody Linley
“Rest in peace to the Queen, Dolly Parton,” Linley wrote of his Hannah Montana costar. “Such a sweet and special soul who exuded positivity, warmth, and joy. May her incredible legacy live on for generations to come. I’m honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.”
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Tess Holliday
“Currently pulled over on the side of the road sobbing I’ll never be the same,” the model wrote, sharing a photo of her tattoo of Parton. “Thank you for showing women everywhere to exist as they are. Loud, unapologetic, kind, and the ultimate southern baddie. My heart is broken.”
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Kristin Chenoweth
“Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken,” the Broadway star shared alongside a photo of herself and Parton. “I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.”
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Meghan McCain
“Dolly Parton was an absolute American icon and legend. Singular in her impact, love, talent, music, kindness, passion and strength. There never was nor ever will be another like her,” McCain posted to X. “There are almost no words to express what a loss this is for America, she was one of the few people who had the ability to unite and truly bring everyone together through her music art, light and spirit.”
“On a personal note she is hands down the kindest, warmest, friendliest celebrity I had the pleasure of ever meeting. When people ask me the highlight of working at The View, I always say meeting Dolly Parton,” she continued. “Her famous quote ~ ‘The way I see it if you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain’ has helped me through many tough moments and grief in life. I am deeply saddened by this news just being a huge fan. We love you forever Dolly.”
Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images
Lance Bass
“The best of the best of the best,” the ‘NSYNC member shared alongside a black and white photo of Parton. “We will always love you Dolly!”
Rick Diamond/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Andy Cohen
The Bravo star remembered the singer with several butterfly emojis, writing, “We were all so lucky to live in her midst and get to experience her music, kindness, and joy.”
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Patricia Heaton
“Thank you Lord for giving Dolly to us,” the Everybody Loves Raymond alum wrote on X. “ What a gift. What a loss.”
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Sarah Jessica Parker
The Sex & the City actress shared her devastation over Parton’s passing, noting that while they never met, she loved her.
“I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her. One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever. And always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion,” she wrote on Instagram alongside several photos of Parton through the years. “What a loss. But aren’t we so lucky, so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared. With the world. Godspeed and RIP. You will be terribly missed."
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Josh Groban
The “You Raise Me Up” singer commented on the post announcing Parton’s passing, “What a gift to the world she was and will continue to be.”
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Seth MacFarlane
The Orville creator shared a clip of Parton’s appearance on the series, writing, “The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating.”
“I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on The Orville, and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was,” he shared. “Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
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Keke Palmer
Palmer remembered her Joyful Noise costar by sharing a photo of Parton as well as one of them together, expressing on Instagram, “I’m devastated. Truly.”
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Dionne Warwick
“I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being,” the “Walk On By” singer posted to X with a photo of herself and Parton. “Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
Leslie Jordan/Instagram
Leslie Jordan's Estate
“Today, we say goodbye to an extraordinary light,” the late actor’s estate wrote alongside a throwback photo of Jordan and Parton. “Dolly gave the world music, laughter, generosity, and a reminder to lead with kindness. Her heart was as big as her talent, and her legacy will live on in every song, every story, and every life she touched.”
“May she be reunited with her dear friend Leslie Jordan, making heaven a little brighter, funnier, and more fabulous,” the message continued. “Rest peacefully, Dolly. You will always be loved, always be remembered, and never be replaced.”
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