Dolly Parton Was 'Authentic' Despite Being Known for Her 'Faux Hair and Makeup,' Says Goddaughter Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is still processing the loss of her godmother, Dolly Parton.

In a new interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the “Flowers” hitmaker opened up about her final conversation with Parton before her death from cancer on August 25. During the emotional conversation, Cyrus reflected on what made her godmother so special, as she described her as an “authentic” person.

Cyrus acknowledged that Parton was known for her larger-than-life image, but said there was much more beneath the surface.

“She’s known for, I guess, the faux, the fake, the hair, the makeup, the show of it, but there’s a part of her that’s just what I think everyone gravitates toward — how real she is and how authentic she is,” she shared.

The "Party in the U.S.A." singer also opened up about why their differences made their relationship so meaningful.

“Because even though we are so different, that’s what made us so perfect for each other is that she knew this, and I know this,” the 33-year-old said. “There was a time in my life, I mean, we hit on it with Hannah [Montana], so much of my life’s about persona.”

Cyrus said having Parton in her life helped her understand that a public image did not have to change who she was.

“I think a way that I could look at that as, you can still have a persona and still be who you are, is because I had Dolly,” she explained.

Cyrus revealed that her last conversation with Parton revolved around something close to her heart: her upcoming album, Bass Persuades.

She explained that sharing new music with the “9 to 5” hitmaker had become a tradition between them.

“Dolly has been the first person that when I get a vinyl printed, that’s the first person I send it to,” Cyrus explained.

“And this time around I was going to send her a vinyl because I always do," she added.

However, Cyrus never got the chance to send the record. Instead, she told Parton about the album during what became their final conversation.

“The time that we talked — which was the last time we would talk — it was actually me telling her about this record,” the “Wrecking Ball” singer said.

Cyrus also looked back on a lesson Parton once shared with her about showing emotion onstage.

The singer said she would “always” cry during live performances. Parton noticed it after watching Cyrus perform “End of the World” and asked her about it.

“She was like, ‘What are you crying about?’” she recalled.

Cyrus explained why the song brought out such strong feelings. The “Jolene” songstress then offered her a simple reminder about the purpose of music: “Music is escapism. Let them cry. Get through it.”

Cyrus knew she had a different way of approaching performances, and Parton accepted that side of her.

“I was like, ‘I know, but this is who I am.' And she loved me for it," The Last Song actress said.

Looking back, Cyrus said she now understands why she became emotional while performing “I Will Always Love You” with Parton in 2023.

She also reflected on the older people in her life who have helped shape her career and personal journey.

“So many of my really stabilizing peers that I have in my life, they’re generations before me,” she said. “And they’ve laid down brick-by-brick the road that I travel now.”

Cyrus admitted that losing those people means losing the chance to turn to them for advice.

“They aren’t always going to be here for me to call them and say, ‘What do I do now?,’ which I always did with Dolly,” Cyrus added.

“And she was always right about stuff," she admitted.

Parton died at 80 on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer.

The following day, Cyrus honored her godmother in an emotional tribute. She reflected on the way Parton would have wanted her to deal with the loss.

“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong," she stated.

“I have an angel by my side,” she continued.

Cyrus also remembered the moments that connected them through their shared love of music.

“I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis," she wrote.

She ended the tribute by promising to carry Parton’s influence with her. Cyrus said she will “always love” her godmother and “want to make her proud.”