Dolly Parton
Inside Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus' enduring family bond: See photos
Updated Aug. 26, 2026, 4:19 p.m. ET
Fans are mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, the groundbreaking country music icon who died on Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80, leaving behind a career spanning music, film, and television. Parton had been battling cancer before her death.
Look back at her supportive relationship with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, through the years. Here, Cyrus kisses Parton, left, during a tribute to Dolly at the 61st annual Grammy Awards show at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 2019.
Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAYLook back at her supportive relationship with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, through the years. Here, Cyrus kisses Parton, left, during a tribute to Dolly at the 61st annual Grammy Awards show at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 2019.
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are pictured in the "I Will Always Loathe You" episode of the Disney Channel show "Hannah Montana." The country legend guest starred as Aunt Dolly, Miley Stewart's godmother, in three episodes of the hit series. The role reflected Parton's real-life relationship with Miley Cyrus. Earlier this year, Cyrus credited Parton, her godmother, with inspiring the "Hannah Montana" 20th anniversary special, saying the legendary singer encouraged her to promote ideas before they officially existed.
Joel Warren, Disney Channel Via Getty Images
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton perform "Jolene"on "The Voice" in 2016. Cyrus was a coach on the show at the time.
NBC, NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal Via Getty
Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton and Linda Perry attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Parton, the first country singer to earn the honor, at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 8, 2019.
Kevin Mazur, Getty Images For NARAS
Maren Morris, Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform during the 61st annual Grammy Awards.
ROBYN BECK, AFP Via Getty Images
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform during the 61st annual Grammy Awards.
ROBYN BECK, AFP Via Getty Images
Dolly Parton performs with, from left, Katy Perry; Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Philip Sweet of Little Big Town; Miley Cyrus; and Kacey Musgraves during the 61st annual Grammy Awards.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images For The Recording Academy
A placecard for Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton is seen during the 61st annual Grammy Awards.
Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty ImagesFeatured Weekly Ad