Miley Cyrus Tearfully Honors Dolly Parton With 'Jolene' at Hollywood Bowl
Miley Cyrus fought back tears on stage at the Hollywood Bowl Friday night as she honored her late godmother, Dolly Parton, with a performance of "Jolene."
Before singing Parton's 1973 hit, Cyrus shared a memory tied to the very venue where she was standing. "Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could tear us apart," she told the crowd, according to ABC News. "And I'm gonna see her again."
A Memory From the Same Stage
Although the two were famously close, Cyrus said she had seen Parton perform live only once, and it was at the Hollywood Bowl. Parton invited her to join her onstage that night, but Cyrus asked if she could sit in the audience and simply enjoy the show as a fan. Parton agreed.
Then Parton opened her set with "The Best of Both Worlds," the theme song from Cyrus' Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana," and told the audience that Cyrus was in the crowd, even though Cyrus had hoped to stay out of the spotlight that night, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Cyrus said the story has taken on new meaning. "Knowing that I get to share this story with you all, it makes that night very worth it," she said.
She added that she feels Parton's presence "now more than ever." Fans cheered her on as she spoke about the woman she calls "Aunt Dolly," whom she credited with some of the greatest music of today.
Remembering Parton
Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 after a battle with cancer. Since her death, tributes have poured in, including a CMAs tribute special and a push to rename Nashville's airport in her honor. Her classic film "9 to 5" is also returning to theaters this month.
In a social media post shortly after Parton died, Cyrus said the loss was hard to put into words. "Our most sacred moments were private and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts," she wrote, according to ABC7.
She also wrote that Parton would want her to feel the loss, write a song about it and keep going, adding that she now has "an angel by my side."
The two appeared together at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
A Big Night for Cyrus
The concert was also a milestone for Cyrus. It marked her return to the stage following the September release of her 10th studio album, "Bass Persuades," and it was her first time ever performing at the Hollywood Bowl. It was also her first time back on a concert stage since 2022, Taste of Country reported.
In an Instagram post before the show, Cyrus called the Hollywood Bowl her favorite venue. She said she had sat in its seats many times but had never performed there. "I've never taken the stage," she wrote.
The new album follows "Something Beautiful" in 2025 and "Endless Summer Vacation" in 2023, which featured her Grammy-winning hit "Flowers." Earlier this year, Cyrus also marked the 20th anniversary of "Hannah Montana" with a special. She has also dropped her last name professionally for this new era, going simply by "Miley."
A Bond That Lasted a Lifetime
Parton was Cyrus' godmother and a constant presence in her life and career. Friday's tribute showed that the connection is still very much alive for Cyrus, even after Parton's death.
NBC Los Angeles noted that "Jolene" remains a showcase of Parton's gifts as both a songwriter and a performer. By ending her story with the 1973 classic, Cyrus gave fans at the Hollywood Bowl a moment to grieve and celebrate the country legend together.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.