Miley Cyrus penned a lovely essay for Dolly Parton as part of Time Magazine’s Time 100, and it’s loaded with kind words from stars for stars. Here’s what Cyrus had to say about the “9 to 5” singer.
Known Her Whole Life
Here’s a fun fact you may not have known: Parton is Cyrus’ godmother. Parton’s known Cyrus since she was a baby, and guest-starred on Hannah Montana. Even as Cyrus’s career has turned controversial at times, Parton’s always had her back. Parton called “The Climb” singer a “fantastic singer and songwriter.”
This love goes both ways. Cyrus wrote some truly kind words for Time about her godmother and mentor. She pointed out that nobody in the world dislikes Parton: “Dolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable career—she’s also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values.”
Cyrus went so far as to call Parton a “saintly, even godlike, figure.” The past few years have seen a Dolly renaissance of sorts. Whether it’s funding the COVID-19 vaccine, making Stephen Colbert cry, or turning down the medal of freedom… twice, the singer’s routinely in the news for angelic reasons. She’s done all of this while still recording new music and expanding Dollywood. Cyrus puts it excellently when she described being in a room with Parton during those Hannah Montana days: “A living fantasy was in front of all of us.”
No Fakery
There’s some unique insight in this story, as Cyrus knows Parton better than nearly any of us. She says that while her public identity is based on silicone and big wigs, Parton is as real as they come. “the foundation for this empire is actually her honesty, truth, and her faith. People look to Dolly for guidance, and she knows that.” Cyrus adds that Parton has always “celebrated the queer community,” and tirelessly provides books for children.
She Loves Kids
The essay concludes with Cyrus writing “the only thing Dolly loves more than glitter is children.” Parton’s publicly said she treats Cyrus like a daughter. Tabloids have run ridiculous stories about Parton literally adopting children, but she’s never been interested in having children of her own. This doesn’t mean she dislikes children, as Cyrus points out.
Everyone loves Dolly, and a talented writer like Cyrus has eloquently explained why. The two country stars have collaborated before, and there’s no reason they couldn’t do so again.