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Dolly added that God has a plan for everything and that it was his plan for her not to have kids so that everyone else’s children would become hers.Find Country Festivals
However, she said that prior to her health issues, she and her husband had discussed having children. The two had wondered if their kids would be tall like Dean or short like her. They even came up with the name Carla for their future daughter.
Dolly accepted that their dream to become parents wasn’t meant to be, and as she and her husband got older, they realized it was best that they never embarked on parenthood. Dean passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 82, and Dolly died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80.
Dolly believed that if she had become a mother, she would have given up everything else out of guilt from going on tour and leaving her kids at home.
Nothing would have remained the same if the singer had become a parent, and she probably wouldn’t be a country music legend. Still, the singer got to be a mother in other ways by becoming a godmother to an iconic pop singer.
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Dolly became the godmother of Miley because she was a good friend to her father, Billy Ray. When Miley was born, her father and Dolly agreed that she’d be the goddaughter of the singer.Stream Top Hits
Dolly took her responsibility as Miley’s godmother seriously. Miley was a kid when she first started starring on “Hannah Montana.” She turned 13 on the set and became famous and rich during that time. However, she didn’t develop what she called “new money syndrome,” as her godmother taught her never to let success change her.
Dolly said Miley was sensational on “Hannah Montana.” Miley, who calls her godmother “Aunt Dolly,” was also the one who suggested Dolly be part of the show, and the country singer was taken on.
Dolly recalled that she really loved the time the two spent 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 gushed.
The two worked so well together on the sitcom, and thanks to Miley, Dolly got a whole new following of young people who listened to her songs. The “Two Doors Down” singer was impressed by Miley.
“For me, watching her being such a pro, she didn’t know it, but I was watching her like a proud mama, thinking you go, you little thing, I’m so proud of you,” she expressed.Hire Local Nannies
Miley credits Dolly for teaching her to be grounded, to treat people with respect, and to always say hi to the person at the bottom of the call sheet. Seeing how her godmother treats people with respect and love also reminds Miley and her family of what’s essential in life.
The “Jolene” singer not only taught Miley important values in life, but she also protected and supported her. When Miley decided to get rid of her child star image and started to deliver more provocative performances, Dolly defended her from her critics. She highlighted Miley’s growth over the years, noting how smart and talented she was.
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Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform on stage during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform on stage during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
According to Dolly, Miley was just trying to find her own place. “She is like me,” Dolly added, praising Miley as a great singer and songwriter who was just finding her wings and learning how to fly.
Dolly only advised Miley about her career when she came to her for words of wisdom, but she never called her to tell her to stop doing her own thing. She supported Miley wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Now, Miley is a phenomenal singer who Dolly did duets with, and the two sang each other’s songs.Try Photo Hosting
Miley has never met anyone who doesn’t love her fairy godmother. She calls the singer “her idol” due to her incomparable career and sees her as her “role model” because of her steadfast morals and values.
“The Climb” singer wishes everyone would have a chance to meet Dolly and see what a great hero she is. Dolly is like a fairy godmother to everyone, and Miley is happy and willing to share her with the world.
Miley Cyrus performs during her “Best of Both Worlds” tour in Uniondale, New York, on December 27, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
Miley Cyrus performs during her “Best of Both Worlds” tour in Uniondale, New York, on December 27, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
The 33-year-old Miley is now creating music for herself. She is over the phase where she worked to prove people wrong and has taken a fresh path in her career and life.
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In December 2022, she partnered with Dolly to host a TV special, “Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party: Legendary,” on NBC. The singer said she and Dolly have a unique chemistry, realness, and love that people can’t resist watching.Stream Top Hits
The pair’s bond is so strong that when Miley informed Dolly she wanted to go brunette, the country singer reacted like she’d been given the worst news ever. Dolly told Miley, “You can’t do that. You are me.” So the singer decided to remain a blonde.
Dolly and Miley’s bond was evident when the two did a “Wrecking Ball” duet in 2023. Miley shared the news on Instagram and said it was “an honor” to have the country singer sing one of her songs. “I love Aunt Dolly,” she added.
Dolly replied to this post saying she was so “honored to be able to sing” with Miley and be around her. She described the singer as “the most gifted person” she knows, adding that, while she was proud of their record, she was prouder of her relationship with Miley.
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