As the world collectively mourns the loss of Dolly Parton, two poignant tributes from her family have shed light on the emotional farewell they shared with her during her final moments.
Billy Ray Cyrus recently opened up about a touching message Dolly sent him just before her passing, a testament to their enduring friendship amidst years of media speculation and public scrutiny. He recalled the moment in 1992 that marked a turning point in their relationship.
A Deep Bond
Billy Ray reminisced about how Dolly had been a significant part of his life since he was a child, long before they collaborated in the entertainment industry. He expressed in a heartfelt Facebook message, ‘Like every little boy, I grew up adoring Dolly Parton.’
He emphasized that she was a staple in American culture, appearing on television and becoming a beloved figure in countless homes. The foundation of their bond, however, can be traced back to a specific afternoon in 1992 when he felt compelled to apologize to her directly.
At that time, rumors were circulating in the media about a supposed affair between the two, prompting Billy Ray to seek out Dolly to offer his sincerest apologies for the hurtful gossip.
Dolly’s playful response became a cherished memory for him. He recalled her winking and saying, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’ This moment, imbued with humor, encapsulated the essence of their friendship, showcasing Dolly’s ability to rise above gossip and share a laugh.
Dolly’s Final Words to Billy Ray
This fond memory lent significance to Dolly’s last message to him. Billy Ray revealed that she reached out with a message that he described as beautifully profound.
Although he did not specify when or how Dolly communicated this heartfelt message, he concluded his tribute by sharing that he has countless memories with her, making it difficult to select just one to recount. Miley Cyrus also paid tribute, choosing to keep many of her memories with Dolly private. In an Instagram post, she conveyed that the loss of ‘Aunt Dolly’ was too monumental to articulate fully. ‘Our most cherished moments were shared in private, remaining behind the scenes, beneath the glamour, and within our hearts,’ she wrote. However, she did offer a glimpse into their final conversations. Miley indicated that one of her last exchanges with Dolly revolved around themes of music and transformation, highlighted by a butterfly emoji she included in her post. She expressed confidence in what Dolly would want for her now: to embrace her grief, channel it into her music, and move forward with strength. ‘I have an angel by my side. I have always had,’ Miley shared. In closing, Miley expressed her condolences to Dolly’s family, friends, and fans around the globe who will profoundly feel her absence. She believes that they will continue to ‘see her in all the beautiful things’ to come. One of the most touching tributes came from Dolly’s younger sister, 77-year-old Stella Parton. In a Facebook post dated August 27, 2026, Stella offered insights into the close bond they maintained for decades, filled with early mornings, coffee, and the candid honesty that only siblings can share. Stella recounted their cherished Tuesday morning tradition of connecting over the phone before dawn, catching up on life and relishing their time together as sisters. ‘Every Tuesday, around this time, before dawn, we would share coffee over the phone for many years,’ Stella reminisced. As farm girls who rose early, she fondly recalled how Dolly would joke that they accomplished more before sunrise than most did all day. Yet, it was a particular story about Dolly’s final days that resonated deeply with many readers. Stella shared, ‘What the world witnessed was exactly who she was. In fact, she recently told me if there was no hope left for her, she would still allow her medical team to pursue experimental treatment to aid others in the future.’ This sentiment, according to Stella, was entirely consistent with Dolly’s character: ‘My sister always thought of others first.’ She urged fans to honor Dolly’s legacy by embodying the same kindness, support, and generosity that defined her life. As noted, the connection between Dolly and Miley was more than that of celebrity; Dolly, who never had children, invested her love and care into her goddaughter from the very beginning. Dolly was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 59 years, tying the knot on May 30, 1966, but they did not have children. She had opened up about her reasons for this choice. In 1982, Dolly faced severe abdominal bleeding that required medical intervention and led her to cancel a tour. Two years later, she underwent a partial hysterectomy, which left her unable to bear children. This news plunged her into a two-year depression and prompted her to lessen her professional commitments. She reflected on this period as a challenging time but ultimately believed it was a message from God, urging her to slow down and confront her life’s hurdles. Dolly felt that God had a plan for everything, including her decision not to become a parent, allowing her to embrace the children of others as her own. Before her health challenges, she and Carl had considered starting a family, even discussing what their children might be like. They had even selected the name Carla for a potential daughter. Ultimately, both realized that their dream of parenthood was not meant to be, and as they grew older, they understood it was likely for the best. Carl passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82, and Dolly followed on August 25, 2026, at 80. Dolly believed that had she become a mother, she would have sacrificed everything for fear of leaving her children behind while on tour. Her life would have taken a vastly different trajectory, and she may not have achieved the status of the country music icon she is celebrated as today. Nevertheless, she found fulfillment in her role as a godmother to a talented pop star. Dolly became Miley’s godmother due to her close friendship with Billy Ray. When Miley was born, it was a mutual decision between her father and Dolly for her to take on this significant role. Dolly took her responsibilities as Miley’s godmother very seriously. As Miley embarked on her journey with ‘Hannah Montana,’ she celebrated her 13th birthday on set and quickly rose to stardom. Despite her rapid ascent, she managed to avoid what she termed ‘new money syndrome,’ largely due to Dolly’s mentorship. Dolly praised Miley’s stellar performance on ‘Hannah Montana.’ Miley, who affectionately refers to her as ‘Aunt Dolly,’ played a crucial role in encouraging Dolly to guest star on the show, leading to a fruitful collaboration. Dolly fondly remembered their shared moments on the sitcom, saying, ‘Here I am, Miley’s fairy godmother, and I get to experience all this alongside her.’ The dynamic between them proved beneficial, as Miley introduced Dolly to a younger audience. Dolly expressed admiration for Miley’s professionalism, saying, ‘Watching her professionalism was a joy; I observed her like a proud mother, thinking, ‘You go, you little star, I’m so proud of you.’ Miley credits Dolly with instilling core values in her, teaching her to respect others and acknowledge those in less fortunate positions. Dolly’s treatment of others serves as a constant reminder for Miley and her family about what is truly important. Not only did Dolly impart crucial life lessons to Miley, but she also offered protection and support. When Miley began to transition away from her child star image to take on bolder artistic choices, Dolly stood by her side and defended her against critics. She acknowledged Miley’s evolution, recognizing her intelligence and talent. Dolly viewed Miley as simply trying to forge her own path. ‘She is so much like me,’ Dolly remarked, praising Miley for being a gifted singer and songwriter who was discovering her true identity. Dolly only offered guidance when Miley sought her advice, never pressuring her to conform to a particular standard. She wholeheartedly backed Miley’s journey. Today, Miley is an accomplished artist who has collaborated with Dolly on duets and shared songs. Miley believes there is no one who doesn’t adore her fairy godmother. She considers Dolly her ‘idol’ because of her remarkable career, seeing her as a role model due to her strong morals and values. ‘The Climb’ singer insists that everyone should have the chance to meet Dolly and experience her as an extraordinary hero. Dolly embodies a fairy godmother for many, and Miley is excited to share her with the world. At 33, Miley is creating music that resonates with her true self. She has moved beyond the phase of needing to prove herself and is embracing a new direction in her career and personal life. In December 2022, she collaborated with Dolly for a television special, ‘Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party: Legendary,’ which aired on NBC. Miley noted that their connection, authenticity, and mutual affection made for compelling television. The strength of their bond was evident when Miley expressed a desire to change her hair color to brunette, prompting Dolly to react as if she had received distressing news. ‘You can’t do that. You are me,’ she insisted, leading Miley to maintain her blonde locks. The depth of Dolly and Miley’s connection was highlighted during a duet of ‘Wrecking Ball’ in 2023. Miley announced this on Instagram, stating it was ‘an honor’ to have Dolly sing one of her songs. ‘I love Aunt Dolly,’ she added. Dolly responded to Miley’s post, expressing her honor in singing with her and being in her presence. She regarded Miley as ‘the most gifted person’ she knows and felt even prouder of their relationship than their musical accomplishments. Throughout their lives, they consistently supported one another’s careers, with Dolly providing vital guidance to Miley. Dolly acknowledged that they always exchanged kind words and considered their relationship profoundly genuine, despite the sentimentality of such a statement. Long before she became a household name, Dolly Parton was shaped by her humble beginnings, influencing the values she later imparted to her goddaughter. Dolly was the fourth of twelve children born to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton, raised in a small two-room log cabin in Locust Ridge, Sevier County, Tennessee, without electricity or running water. As a child, she would stand on the porch and sing her heart out with a tobacco stick and a tin can as a makeshift microphone, dreaming of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. She credited her mother, Avie Lee, for providing her with spiritual and creative foundations, while her exceptional work ethic stemmed from her father, a tobacco farmer. Dolly made her Grand Ole Opry debut at just 13 years old in 1959, with Johnny Cash introducing her. The original cabin from her childhood still stands in Locust Ridge, and reports indicate that Dolly sentimentally repurchased the land after her parents sold it, restoring the home to its condition from the 1950s. For fans interested in a closer look, a replica of the cabin — designed by her brother Bobby and decorated under their mother’s supervision — can be viewed at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. The original site in Locust Ridge is preserved as a testament to her humble beginnings.
Miley’s Heartfelt Tribute to ‘Aunt Dolly’
A Sister’s Emotional Farewell
