Billy Ray Cyrus pays tribute to Dolly Parton
Around GMA
Around GMA
LIVE - Senate Plenary Session (August 26, 2026) - Replay | GMA News Dan and Phil to bring 'Hard Launch' tour to Manila this December Sayran nato ang Dagan sa Panahon karong Adlawa August 25, 2026 | Balitang BisdakArticle Inside Page
Showbiz News
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus paid tribute to his longtime friend Dolly Parton, recalling their decades of memories together following the country music icon's death at age 80.
Billy Ray Cyrus is mourning the loss of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
Following the news of Dolly's passing, the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering their decades-long friendship and the impact she had on his life.
"I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it's hard to know where to start," Billy Ray wrote.
"Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms."
Billy Ray recalled one of his earliest memories with the country music icon in 1992, when he joined Dolly on tour following the success of his breakthrough hit "Achy Breaky Heart."
The singer recounted visiting Dolly's dressing room to apologize over tabloid rumors linking the two stars.
"In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'" he shared.
Billy Ray and Dolly remained close friends through the years, with their bond eventually extending to his daughter, Miley Cyrus. Dolly became Miley's godmother after Billy Ray asked her to take on the role.
In a 2024 interview on The Howard Stern Show, Dolly spoke fondly of her friendship with Billy Ray.
"We just got to be good friends," she said. "He's a Kentucky boy. I'm from Tennessee."
Billy Ray also revealed that one of his final exchanges with Dolly was a message she recently sent him.
"Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart," he wrote.
The singer ended his tribute with a touching farewell to his longtime friend.
"I will always love her in the same way ... with my whole heart ... and I always will."
Meanwhile, Dolly's death date also holds a special connection for Miley Cyrus. The singer previously revealed that August 25 has long been a significant date in her personal life and career, and it was the date she chose to release her 2023 hit song "Used to Be Young."
Dolly's representatives confirmed her passing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. She was 80 years old.
RELATED GALLERY: Celebrities we lost and stars who lost their loved ones in 2026
