Billy Ray Cyrus Discloses Dolly Partons Last Message to Him — Miley Recalls One of Her Final Conversations with Aunt Dolly

In the midst of widespread mourning for Dolly Parton, two heartfelt family tributes have shed light on the genuine experiences of her last days.

Billy Ray Cyrus has revealed the heartfelt message Dolly sent him shortly before her passing, stemming from a friendship that has endured decades of gossip and media speculation. He recalls a pivotal moment from 1992 that he believes transformed their relationship.

Miley Cyrus also has her own memories to share. She reflected on one of her final discussions with the country music legend, whom she affectionately referred to as ‘Aunt Dolly.’ Their conversation touched on something more profound than either of them might have understood at that moment.

A Lifelong Friendship

Billy Ray described Dolly as a significant presence in his life since he was a child, long before their professional collaborations. In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, he expressed, ‘Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton.’

He recalled how she was a constant figure on television, a part of everyday life in American homes. However, the true essence of their connection began one afternoon in 1992 when he entered Dolly’s dressing room to offer her an apology.

At that time, tabloids were spreading rumors about an alleged affair between the two artists. Billy Ray felt it was necessary to directly apologize for the speculation surrounding her.

Dolly’s reply became a memorable anecdote for him; she simply winked at him and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’

This lighthearted remark, delivered without a trace of resentment, defined their relationship from that point onward. In Billy Ray’s perspective, it encapsulated Dolly’s character: unfazed by scandal and always generous with her wit.

Dolly’s Heartfelt Last Words

This cherished memory made Dolly’s final message to him resonate deeply. Billy Ray shared that she had recently sent him a message that he described as truly beautiful.

‘Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, expressing her love for me with her whole heart,’ he noted. He vowed to carry that love forward in the same manner: ‘I will always love her with my whole heart, and I always will.’

Billy Ray did not disclose when the message was sent or how Dolly communicated with him. He concluded his tribute by mentioning the numerous moments and memories he shared with her, expressing difficulty in knowing where to start recounting them.

Miley’s Tribute to ‘Aunt Dolly’

Miley shared her own tribute but chose to keep much of her private conversations with Dolly to herself. In an Instagram post, she conveyed that losing ‘Aunt Dolly’ felt overwhelming and difficult to articulate.

‘Our most sacred moments were private and will remain behind the scenes, away from the spotlight and deeply held in our hearts,’ she wrote. Nonetheless, she offered a glimpse into one of their last discussions.

Miley disclosed that one of her concluding conversations with Dolly revolved around music and transformation, a theme she emphasized with a butterfly emoji.

She expressed her awareness of what Dolly would wish for her at this moment: to fully embrace the loss, craft it into a song, and push ahead with resilience. ‘I have an angel by my side. I always have,’ she asserted.

Miley concluded her post by expressing her heartbreak for Dolly’s family, friends, and the fans worldwide who will miss her dearly. She shared her belief that they will continue to ‘see her in all the most beautiful things’ in the future.

As previously mentioned, the bond between Dolly and Miley went beyond mere celebrity ties; Dolly, who did not have children of her own, had invested her love in her goddaughter since the beginning.

The country music luminary was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 60 years. Their wedding took place on May 30, 1966, and they did not have children together. Dolly has discussed her reasons for remaining childless.

In 1982, she suffered from severe abdominal bleeding that compelled her to seek medical assistance and cancel a tour. Then, in 1984, she underwent a partial hysterectomy and was informed that she would not be able to bear children.

This news plunged her into a two-year depression and led her to reduce her professional engagements. Dolly admitted that this time was incredibly challenging for her, but she interpreted it as a sign from God to slow down and address personal issues.

She felt that God had a purpose for everything and believed that it was His intention for her not to have children so she could embrace everyone else’s kids as her own.

However, prior to her health complications, she and her husband had contemplated parenthood, wondering whether their children would take after him or her. They even had a name, Carla, in mind for a daughter.

Dolly eventually accepted that their aspiration to be parents was not meant to materialize, and as they aged, they recognized that perhaps it was for the best they didn’t pursue parenthood. Dean passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82, and Dolly died on August 25, 2026, at 80.

Dolly believed that if she had become a mother, she would have sacrificed everything else out of guilt for leaving her children behind while on tour.

Her life would have taken a different trajectory had she chosen to become a parent, possibly hindering her rise to legendary status in country music. Nevertheless, she found ways to embrace motherhood through her role as a godmother to an iconic pop artist.

Dolly became Miley’s godmother due to her close friendship with Billy Ray. When Miley was born, her father and Dolly agreed that she would take on the role.

Dolly took her position as Miley’s godmother seriously. Miley was just a child when she began her role in ‘Hannah Montana.’ She turned 13 on set and gained fame during that period. However, she managed to avoid what she referred to as ‘new money syndrome,’ thanks to Dolly’s guidance to never let success alter her character.

Dolly praised Miley’s performance on ‘Hannah Montana.’ Miley, who affectionately calls Dolly ‘Aunt Dolly,’ was also the one who suggested her involvement in the show, leading to Dolly’s appearance.

Dolly fondly recalled the moments they spent together on the sitcom. ‘Here I am, you know, Miley’s fairy godmother, and on the show, and kind of sharing all that with her,’ she expressed.

Their chemistry on the sitcom was evident, and because of Miley, Dolly attracted a new generation of fans who appreciated her music. The ‘Two Doors Down’ singer held great admiration for Miley.

‘For me, watching her shine as such a professional, she wasn’t aware of it, but I watched her like a proud mom, thinking, you go, you little thing, I’m so proud of you,’ she remarked.

Miley credits Dolly for instilling important values in her life, emphasizing the need to treat everyone with respect, including those at the bottom of the call sheet. Witnessing how her godmother interacts with people serves as a meaningful reminder of life’s priorities for Miley and her family.

In addition to teaching Miley significant life lessons, Dolly also provided protection and support. When Miley decided to step away from her child star persona and began to take on more provocative performances, Dolly stood by her against critics, highlighting Miley’s evolution and intelligence.

Dolly believed Miley was simply searching for her own path. ‘She is like me,’ Dolly noted, praising Miley as a talented singer and songwriter who was discovering her wings.

Dolly only offered career advice when Miley sought her input, never attempting to hinder her independent choices. She provided unwavering support for Miley. Today, Miley has become an accomplished artist with whom Dolly has collaborated and whose songs they’ve performed together.

Miley has never encountered anyone who doesn’t adore her fairy godmother. She refers to Dolly as her ‘idol’ due to her remarkable career and sees her as a ‘role model’ for her strong morals.

‘The Climb’ singer hopes everyone has the chance to meet Dolly and witness her as an incredible hero. To Miley, Dolly embodies a fairy godmother for everyone, and she’s eager to share her with the world.

Now at 33, Miley turned 30 in 2023 and is focused on making music that reflects her true self. She has moved past the phase of seeking validation and is charting a new course in her career and life.

In December 2022, she collaborated with Dolly to host a special, ‘Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party: Legendary,’ for NBC. Miley noted that their chemistry, authenticity, and love are captivating for viewers.

The strength of their bond was evident when Miley told Dolly she wanted to change her hair color to brunette, which prompted a shocked response from the country star. Dolly exclaimed, ‘You can’t do that. You are me.’ Consequently, Miley decided to stay a blonde.

Dolly and Miley’s connection was beautifully showcased during their duet of ‘Wrecking Ball’ in 2023. Miley shared the experience on Instagram, calling it ‘an honor’ to have Dolly sing one of her songs. ‘I love Aunt Dolly,’ she added.

In response, Dolly expressed her gratitude for being able to perform with Miley, calling her ‘the most gifted person’ she knows. She conveyed that, while she takes pride in their music, she feels even more pride in her relationship with Miley.

Throughout their lives, they have consistently supported one another’s careers, with Dolly providing essential guidance to her goddaughter. Dolly acknowledged their mutual admiration, stating that while it might sound sentimental, their relationship is genuinely real.

Before becoming a global superstar, Dolly Parton was raised in modest surroundings that influenced her deeply, shaping the values she later shared with her goddaughter.

Dolly was born as the fourth of twelve children to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton. She grew up in a two-room log cabin in Locust Ridge, Sevier County, Tennessee, without access to electricity or running water.

As a child, she would sing her heart out on the front porch, using a tobacco stick and a tin can as a makeshift microphone, dreaming of performing on the Grand Ole Opry.

She credited her creative spirit to her mother, Avie Lee, and her strong work ethic to her father, who was a tobacco farmer. Dolly made her Grand Ole Opry debut at just 13 years old in 1959, introduced by the legendary Johnny Cash.

The original cabin where she grew up still stands in Locust Ridge. Dolly, in a sentimental gesture, repurchased the land after her parents sold it and restored the cabin to its 1950s appearance.

For fans interested in a closer look, a replica of the cabin, crafted by her brother Bobby and decorated with their mother Avie Lee’s approval, can be visited at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. The original cabin remains private, and trespassers are not permitted.

Beyond Tennessee, Dolly maintained a more unexpected retreat. A report revealed that she acquired a modest 1920s triplex farmhouse in Solvang, California, often called the ‘Danish capital of America,’ through her company in 2004, using it as a private getaway for nearly ten years before selling it.

The unpretentious property, located at the corner of Alisal Road and Maple Avenue in Santa Barbara County, featured several privacy-enhancing features, along with some unique ‘Dolly-isms,’ such as a ‘wig room’ in the garage and a birdhouse replica of a Dollywood chapel along the driveway.

The house is currently on the market for $1.995 million, with the current owner hoping to find a dedicated Dolly fan to take over.