Miley Cyrus brings sold-out LA concert to a standstill as she breaks down in tears paying tribute to late godmother Dolly Parton: 'Me and Dolly, we are eternal'

Miley Cyrus broke down in tears as she delivered a powerful tribute to her late godmother Dolly Parton while performing at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday. 

The beloved songstress passed away at the age of 80 on August 25 following a private battle with cancer. 

While taking to the stage at the iconic venue to kick off her concert series in support of her 10th studio album Bass Persuades, the former Disney channel star began to sing Parton's hit track Jolene for the sold-out crowd. 

Cyrus, 33, then told the audience that she had watched her godmother perform live once at the Hollywood Bowl, which had also inspired her to hold shows at the venue, per The Hollywood Reporter.

She recalled telling Parton that she wanted to watch from the crowd 'like the rest of the world has gotten to' at the time. 

Cyrus said the late singer responded with, 'Okay, Miley,' although she jokingly noted 'that never means okay.' 

Since Cyrus did not join her godmother on stage, Parton instead opened her show by singing The Best of Both Worlds, which is from the actress's Disney show Hannah Montana. 

'But that's just not the end of that story,' the star continued to the fans in attendance on Friday. 

'And she goes, like a proud aunt, "I don't know if y'all know this, but my goddaughter is Hannah Montana, and she's actually here tonight, but she's sitting out in her seat. She didn't want anyone to bug her. 

'"She said she just wanted to watch the show," which defeated the entire purpose of the conversation that we had just had,' Cyrus added. 

The singer explained that she could feel Parton's presence with her on stage. 

'Sitting here with you all right now, feeling her all around me, knowing that she's right here beside me, every day, more than she could be when she was here. I feel her more now than ever.' 

Cyrus further expressed that sharing the story with her fans 'makes that night very worth it.'

'This memory is gold to me. Me and Dolly, we are eternal,' she emotionally said. 'Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart, and I'm gonna see her again.' 

Cyrus tearfully paused to bring a tissue to her eye as she tilted her head down, causing the audience to let out cheers of support.

'And I can't f***ing wait because I miss her,' she continued. 

'Some of the greatest music that we have today was written, produced, performed by my Aunt Dolly, and this is one of those songs.' 

The Grammy winner then performed Jolene for fans during Friday's concert. 

Social media users took to X to share their thoughts over the moving moment, with one penning, 'Absolutely got me emotional omg.' 

Another wrote, 'They Miley and Dolly bond is so special - that Hollywood Bowl moment must have been so emotional.' 

Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, and her death was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver in an Instagram video.

Her passing took place after being admitted to Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ.

Parton's representatives soon revealed she died following a 'brief battle with cancer' in a statement to People.

'Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,' the statement read.

'After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.' 

Following her godmother's death, Cyrus shared a tribute to her main Instagram page and called the late singer an 'angel.' 

Alongside a black and white photo of Parton, the actress typed, 'The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. 

'Our most sacred moments were private and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.'

Cyrus added that she has 'an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.'

The star said that she 'will always love her and want to make her proud. 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.' 

Cyrus and Parton have worked and performed together in the past, such as for Miley's New Year's Eve Party to ring in 2023. 

The country icon had also made appearances alongside the actress on the Hannah Montana series for three episodes. 

Cyrus is set to take to the Hollywood Bowl stage once again on Sunday, October 18 for her concert series in support of her Bass Persuades album.