Miley Cyrus Describes Last Conversation With Dolly Parton, Prompted by Sending Over Her New Album: ‘Though We Were So Different, That’s What Made Us Perfect for Each Other’

Miley Cyrus has long grappled with balancing her authentic self and the larger-than-life persona she presents to the world. Her godmother and mentor, the late country icon Dolly Parton, played a pivotal role in helping Cyrus understand that these two aspects could coexist harmoniously. Parton, who passed away at 80 following a brief cancer battle, left a lasting impact on Cyrus, who affectionately referred to her as "Aunt Dolly."

In a recent interview on Apple Music's The Zane Lowe Show, Cyrus reflected on their relationship, expressing gratitude for Parton's unwavering support and guidance. Parton's influence extended to Cyrus' artistic choices, from sending her vinyl records for printing to encouraging her to confront her emotions during high-stakes performances.

One of their final conversations centered around Cyrus' upcoming album, "Bass Persuades," which further cemented the continued relevance of Parton's wisdom in Cyrus' evolving career. While both Cyrus and Parton seemed to embody contrasting personas, their relationship thrived on their ability to understand and appreciate each other's uniqueness.

Parton's guidance helped Cyrus navigate the emotional aspects of performing, reminding her that it's acceptable for the audience to cry during a song, but to keep moving through the performance. Ultimately, Cyrus attested that Parton's wisdom was consistently spot-on, encapsulating the essence of their profound bond.