Miley Cyrus Says Dolly Parton Helped Her Maintain a Persona While Staying True to Herself

Miley Cyrus discussed her relationship with her late godmother and mentor Dolly Parton in a new interview on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show, explaining how Parton taught her to balance her personal identity with her larger-than-life public persona.

Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer, as previously reported by Billboard. Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother the following day, noting that their most sacred moments remained private and revealing that one of their final conversations focused on music and metamorphosis.

During the interview, Cyrus shared that Parton influenced everything from her stage performances to how she handled difficult periods in her career.

“Dolly has been the first person, when I get a vinyl printed, that’s the first person I send it to,” Cyrus said in the interview. “Since I’ve been making vinyls.”

This tradition holds special significance for Cyrus’ upcoming album, Bass Persuades. Cyrus stated that her last conversation with Parton involved the new record and that she still intends to send Parton a copy.

“I’m going to send her a vinyl because I always do,” Cyrus said.

Cyrus noted that Parton understood the artifice of celebrity while maintaining a genuine reputation, which helped Cyrus navigate her own evolution from Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana to a pop and rock artist.

“There was a time in my life … so much of my life was about persona,” Cyrus said. “And I think a way that I look at that [is], you can have a persona and still be who you are. [That’s] because I had Dolly.”

Cyrus described her onstage persona as a form of drag, differing from her quiet daily routine, though she emphasized that both versions represent her.

Parton also guided Cyrus on the emotional aspects of performing. Cyrus recalled an instance when Parton watched her perform “End of the World” at Chateau Marmont and asked why she was crying.

Cyrus explained that the song was about the world ending and never seeing her mother again. Parton reminded her that music serves as escapism, advising that while audiences might cry, the performer must keep moving through the show.

Cyrus added that her tendency to cry onstage remains a challenge during performances.

“I always cry, I can’t help it,” she said. “‘End of the World,’ I start crying.”

Parton’s advice proved crucial when Cyrus prepared to return to the Grammys after a difficult period. When Cyrus visited Parton in Nashville and expressed doubt about performing, Parton encouraged her to adopt a performer mindset.

“She’s like, ‘Get your hair teased and get a dress that you love,’” Cyrus remembered. Parton also advised her to channel her inner Hannah Montana, Dolly Parton, and RuPaul.

“Dolly was just always right about stuff,” Cyrus said.

Watch the full interview below.